Controversy on Herbicide Round-up Found in Food

A report was issued by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that documents traces of the herbicide Roundup in oat cereals such as Cheerios.  While the "levels, though, were far below the concentrations deemed unsafe by state and federal regulators", EWG believes the EPA established levels are too high and the amounts found can impact health, especially for children.

"But the question of how much of the herbicide in kids' food is too much — and whether it's a carcinogen at all — has become hotly debated among scientists and regulators around the world, with no clear answer."  Controversy is good.  It forces us to question and reevaluate.

Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/roundup-found-in-cheerios-reignites-debate-on-food-safety/498472351/
Roundup found in Cheerios reignites debate on food safety

Lawsuit Filed Against Airline for Mishandling Listeria Issue

Former employees have filed a lawsuit against United Airlines after the airline disregarded their complaints about Listeria contamination in the airport commissary.

While it is difficult to comment on the validity of the lawsuit, one takeaway from this can be how non-food companies who handle food address food safety issues.  Companies whose sole focus is processing / handling / distributing food, tend to have decision-making executives with industry experience, thus are in tune with the regulations.  Does the same go for entities like airlines where the main focus of the business is something other than food?  It is important for companies or organizations who serve food as some part of their business to recognize the impact of food safety issues and the need to understand and follow regulations and food industry best practices.

CNBC

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/29/united-airlines-mishandled-listeria-contamination-lawsuits-claim.html
United Airlines mishandled listeria contamination, endangering travelers, lawsuits claim
Megan Leonhardt | @Megan_Leonhardt |
4 Mins Ago

Microplastic in Your Poop - Is this Something New to Worry About?

A recent study found that human stool samples collected from 8 volunteers all contained microplastic.  Microplastics, from 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers in size, are generated through our use and discarding of plastic.  They are "created unintentionally by shredding, abrasion or decomposition of larger plastic parts in the environment".

We have known that microplastics are widespread in the environment including the oceans.  It has been shown to be a wide variety of animals including worms and mammals.  The impact on health is not fully understood, "there are initial indications that microplastics can damage the gastrointestinal tract by promoting inflammatory reactions or absorbing harmful substances, further studies are needed to assess the potential dangers of microplastics for humans".

Microplastics Found in Human Stools for First Time
News   Oct 23, 2018 | Original Story from the Medical University of Vienna.

Two Recalls of Curry Issued Due to High Lead Levels

Two recalls were issued for curry spice due to high levels of lead.  The first recall was issued due to a consumer complaint.   "The product sampling was conducted as a result of a consumer complaint regarding elevated blood lead levels in a child."  Yikes

In this recall,  Sirob Imports, Inc of Lindenhurst, NY recalled curry under the brands Corrado, Orlando Imports, Nouri’s Syrian Bakery, Mediterranean Specialty Foods Brand and Butera Fruit Market Curry Powder.  The recall was initiated after FDA sampling found elevated levels of lead in the product. The product sampling was conducted as a result of a consumer complaint regarding elevated blood lead levels in a child.

In the second recall,  "UBC Food Distributors Inc, due to a high level of lead after testing was done by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.  This product was purchased from an importer.  The importer, along with the FDA, are now in the process of contacting the source of the product, so that corrective action can be taken on their part.  Use of, or consumption of this product may elevate lead levels in the blood."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm624397.htm
UBC Food Distributors Recalls Hot Curry Powder and Curry Powder due to Lead
For Immediate Release
October 25, 2018

Canada - Breaded Chicken Burgers Recalled After Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

In Canada, Sofina Foods is recalling breaded chicken burgers after the product was linked to 25 cases of Salmonella infection.  There were two hospitalizations.  This is a uncooked product, stated clearly on the label, and has cooking instructions on the back (cook to 165F / 74C).

According to the Canadian Public Health Release (below), there have been 14 outbreaks associated with raw chicken, including frozen raw breaded chicken products with 474 cases and 90 hospitalizations.

It would be interesting to know to what degree do people verify cooking temperature or cross contamination.  A good guess would be under-cooking, especially an issue when starting with frozen product.

http://inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2018-10-26/eng/1540600587248/1540600589249
Food Recall Warning - Janes brand Pub Style Chicken Burgers recalled due to Salmonella
Recall date:October 26, 2018
Reason for recall:Microbiological - Salmonella 
Hazard classification:Class 1 
Company / Firm:Sofina Foods Inc. 
Distribution:National
Extent of the distribution:Retail 
Reference number:12567

Organic Chicken Products Recalled Due to Low Levels of Thallium

Suzanna’s Kitchen, Inc., a Peachtree Corners, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,363 pounds of grilled chicken products due to an unapproved substance -the product contains concentrations of thallium.   "The problem was discovered when the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services tested retail packages of Nature Raised Farms Organic Gluten Free Grilled Chicken Strips produced by Suzanna’s Kitchen, Inc. and found concentrations of thallium in the product. The concentration levels do not present an immediate health hazard; however, FSIS is recommending this Class II recall out of an abundance of caution because prolonged ingestion of contaminated product in sensitive populations could cause some health effects. FSIS is working with the involved parties to identify the source of the contamination and prevent any further product from going into commerce."

From Wikipdia, "Commercially, thallium is produced not from potassium ores, but as a byproduct from refining of heavy-metal sulfide ores.  Soluble thallium salts (many of which are nearly tasteless) are toxic, and they were historically used in rat poisons and insecticides. Use of these compounds has been restricted or banned in many countries, because of their nonselective toxicity. Thallium poisoning usually results in hair loss, although this characteristic symptom does not always surface. Because of its historic popularity as a murder weapon, thallium has gained notoriety as "the poisoner's poison" and "inheritance powder" (alongside arsenic)."

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-105-2018-release
Suzanna’s Kitchen, Inc., Recalls Poultry Products due to an Unapproved Substance 
Class II Recall 
05-2018 
Health Risk: Low 
Oct 26, 2018 

This Week in Mislabeled Products - Week Ending October 27, 2018

No Allergens Listed on Label - Red Square Foods, Inc., a Somerset, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of various frozen meat and poultry ravioli and blintzes products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the products contain eggs, milk, and/or wheat, all known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. The problem was discovered by FSIS inspectors during routine label verification activities.

Wrong Label - Shirley’s Cookie Company Inc. of Claysburg, PA, is recalling its 16 ounce packages of "Chocolate Whoopie Pie" because they may contain undeclared peanuts.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

Tamari Sauce Contains Soy - New Seasons Market is recalling 193 jars of New Seasons Market Hot & Sour Broth because it contains undeclared soy.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the broth containing soy was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of soy. The product contains Tamari sauce, which is made from soy beans.[Tamari sauce is similar to soy sauce, but contains little to no wheat, while soy sauce does have wheat]

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-106-2018-release
Red Square Foods, Inc., Recalls Frozen Not-Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens 
Class I Recall 
106-2018 
Health Risk: High 
Oct 27, 2018 

Ongoing Outbreak of Salmonella Associated with Raw Chicken Products

CDC reported on an ongoing Salmonella outbreak associated with raw chicken products.  There have been 92 cases reported in 29 different states, but no single source has been identified.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/infantis-10-18/index.html
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Raw Chicken Products
Posted October 17, 2018 at 12:00 PM ET

CDC Updates Case Counts of Salmonella Infections Associated with Raw Ground Beef From AZ Processor

CDC updated information on a Salmonella outbreak associated with ground meat produced by a Arizona processor, JBS Tolleson, Inc. The company had issued a recall earlier this month. There are now 120 reported cases of salmonellosis in 22 different states, primarily in the western part of the country. Thirty-three of those cases have resulted in hospitalizations.

Although this is a raw product, it shows the difficulty when a product like ground meat has a level of pathogens that increase the risk during handling or insufficient cooking (you know who you are non-thermometer users).  Manufacturers must do their part to provide sufficient reduction of pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli.

CDC Food Safety Alert
Posted October 23, 2018 at 3:00 PM ET
A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections linked to ground beef produced by JBS Tolleson, Inc.

At A Glance

• Reported Cases: 120
• States: 22
• Hospitalizations: 33
• Deaths: 0
• Recall: Yes