Real Risk of Arsenic in Bottled Water

The article from Consumer Reports, "Arsenic in Some Bottled Water Brands at Unsafe Levels, Consumer Reports Says" grabbed a lot of press this month.  Oh no, something else I can't consume?  Only if you buy into the spin that looks more to grab readership than to provide sound science.

A rebuttal to that article was posted in Forbes and goes into detail dissecting the wording used.
A few keys, .

• Only one out of 130 bottles tested was in excess of FDA's limit of 10 ppb,..some obscure brand Peñafiel that had 17 ppb. 
• Five were higher than 3 but less than 10, which the article claimed that 3 should be the limit according to the report (but no reason why 3 instead of 10 is a better number).

So the summary from Forbes, "The primary spin-free numbers in the Consumer Reports article are that, of the 130 brands of bottled water examined for arsenic, 1 exceeded F.D.A. standards. And our refrigerators aren’t exactly teeming with that 1 – if you mixed all the bottled water in the world in a massive vat, Peñafiel would probably make up less than 3 parts per billion itself."

The article could have been titled "No real risk of arsenic in your bottled water", but that would not have garnered much of any mass media attention.  Not that we shouldn't be looking and controlling arsenic when levels are high.  A 2013 NY Times article points out that there are many place in the world, including the US where levels can range from 10 to 1000 ppb.

Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanschwarz/2019/04/22/arsenic-in-water-scare-raises-risk-for-eye-rolling/#62c92239772d
Arsenic-In-Water Scare Raises Risk For Eye-Rolling
Alan Schwarz 
Apr 22, 2019, 09:40am

Topics in Supply and Demand - Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Strips, Bananas and Bug Flour

Trend in vegetable farming - there is a decrease in acreage planted for  sweet corn, green beans, peas and potatoes, with an increase in sweet potatoes and leafy greens such as spinach, kale and romaine lettuce.  

Chicken strips gaining on chicken nuggets - While more chicken nuggets are sold compared to chicken strips, chicken strips sales have increased against a decline in chicken nuggets.

Bananas are on the ropes, can CRISPR save them - In case you missed it, a virus is likely to make America's favorite fruit, the banana, extinct.  The hope is that scientist can modify the genetic makeup of the virus to make it resistant...otherwise, there will be no bananas, no bananas someday too soon.

Bugs as ingredients, "There is an increasing range of insect-based products, such as whole/flour, snacks, health bars, pasta, pasta sauce and burgers. Edible insects are promoted as a sustainable food alternative. It is also claimed there are numerous health benefits from eating bugs and insects."  But what strategy do purveyors take in identifying their product to attract customers?

Washington Post

Business

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/04/20/sweet-corn-out-sweet-potatoes-data-shows-fundamental-shifts-american-farming/?utm_term=.70dfc8fca246

Sweet corn out, sweet potatoes in: Data shows fundamental shifts in American farming

By Laura Reiley and Andrew Van Dam

April 20

Hepatitis A Case in Philly Grocery Worker Highlights Need for Controls

A Hepatitis A-infected food handler working in a Philadelphia grocery store triggered an alert for those who may have purchased pre-cut RTE fruits and vegetables.  This case is one of an increasing number of Hepatitis A cases seen.   Philadelphia Health Department noted that they are seeing 5 times the number of cases over the 2016 baseline.  While many of these cases are associated with people who are homeless or are drug users, it still increases the risk for food operations in that workers may face increased exposure within the community.

Therefore, it is important for food operations to maintain control including educating workers of the importance of reporting illness or potential exposure. Proper handwashing and glove use are important mitigations against the spread of the disease.

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus that is easily spread from an infected person to others through person-to-person contact or person-to-food-to-person.  Once exposed, it takes approximately 6 weeks to see the symptoms, jaundice and fever, but a person can be administered a vaccine within the first two weeks immediately after the exposure event.

Philly.com
https://www.philly.com/health/hepatitis-a-foodborne-illness-acme-philadelphia-health-inspection-reports-20190411.html
After hepatitis A warning at Philly Acme, should you eat precut fruits and veggies?
by Mari A. Schaefer, Updated: April 11, 2019

LGMA Updates Requirements to Improve Safety of Leafy Greens

California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Board has adopted additional requirements to reduce risk when it comes to water used in growing lettuce and leafy greens,  These new standards are "in direct response to investigations conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration into last year’s e. Coli outbreak involving romaine lettuce."

The main action is to no longer allow the use of untreated surface water for overhead irrigation of leafy greens prior to harvest.    While the "LGMA program has always required growers to test their water because it can be a carrier of pathogens", the new requirements will now include additional safeguards including:  'categorizing the source of the water; considering how and when water is applied to the crop; conducting testing to assure the water is safe for the intended use; sanitizing water if necessary; and verifying that all of the above precautions have been taken.'

"The LGMA’s food safety practices meet, and often exceed, what is required under federal Produce Safety Rule regulations for other produce crops."

Perishable News
https://www.perishablenews.com/produce/leafy-greens-marketing-agreement-adopts-new-more-stringent-food-safety-practices-to-prevent-outbreaks/
Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Adopts New, More Stringent Food Safety Practices to Prevent Outbreaks
April 22, 2019

This Week in Mislabeled Products for Week Ending April 20, 2019

Supplier Fails to  List Egg on Product - Weis Markets today said it has issued a recall for its Weis Quality Banana Puddin Ice Cream (48oz) since the product’s ingredient label fails to list an egg allergen due to a supplier error.

Nut Supplier May Have Had Extra Nut Types  - Unilever is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Ben & Jerry’s Coconut Seven Layer Bar bulk and Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey pints, which may inadvertently contain tree nuts including almonds, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts that are not declared in the ingredient list or allergy information list. Both affected products include a “Contains Walnuts” and a “May contain other tree nuts” label on the back of the pack.  The recall was initiated after an undeclared nut was found during the production operation. Unilever has not received any reports of illness associated with this product, but the company is voluntarily recalling this product out of an abundance of caution. Unilever’s ongoing investigation shows that the issue stemmed from an error from one of its nut suppliers. The situation has been remediated.

Peanut Brittle Labeled as Cashew Brittle - Hercules Candy LLC . of East Syracuse, NY, is recalling its 4 ounce packages of Cashew Brittle Bits 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.

Weis Markets Issues Recall for Undeclared Egg Allergen In WQ Banana Puddin Ice Cream
For Immediate Release
April 17, 2019

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli-Sliced Meats and Cheeses

CDC is investigating a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat and cheese that has 8 cases with one death in 4 different states - MI, PA, NJ, and NY.  Listeria specimens from ill people were collected from November 13, 2016 to March 4, 2019.

One would expect that Listeria coming in on deli meat or cheese can be spread through the slicer.  Slicer, if not regularly cleaned, can allow build up on the slicer and slicer blade, and then transfer that to other products.  Heat generated by the slicer, and the fact that the slicer sitting at room temperature, can allow for growth of the organism over the day.

CBS News 
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/listeria-outbreak-linked-to-deli-meats-turns-deadly/
Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats turns deadly
By Ashley Welch
April 18, 2019 / 5:20 PM/ CBS News

Raw Ground Tuna Used in Sushi Dishes Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Jensen Tuna of Louisiana is voluntarily recalling frozen ground tuna imported from JK Fish, because it may potentially be contaminated with Salmonella.  The recall comes after thirteen people became infected with a strain of Salmonella Newport.  These cases have been reported from seven states with illnesses start dates ranging from January 8, 2019 to March 20, 2019.

The frozen ground tuna is used in sushi or other dish where raw ground tuna is used. "In interviews, ill people answered questions about the foods they ate and other exposures in the week before they became ill. Nine (75%) of 12 people interviewed reported eating sushi from a restaurant or grocery store. This proportion was significantly higher than results from a survey Cdc-pdf[PDF – 787 KB] of healthy people in which 5% reported eating sushi, sashimi, or ceviche made with raw fish or shellfish in the week before they were interviewed. Of the nine people with information about their sushi exposure, nine (100%) reported eating a sushi item containing raw tuna or raw “spicy tuna.”"

Ground tuna is more of an issue for sushi in that there is more handling and preparation including a grinding application.  Should a contaminate get into the grinder, it can be easily mixed into the product.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm636166.htm
Jensen Tuna of Louisiana is Voluntarily Recalling Frozen Ground Tuna Imported from JK Fish, Because it may Potentially be Contaminated with Salmonella
For Immediate Release
April 16, 2019

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recalled After Complaints of Choking

Mondelēz Global LLC is recalling certain lots of Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies after receiving complaints for "potential adverse health effects"  (probably a potential choking issue or difficulty in swallowing) due to the product may contain an unexpected solidified ingredient.   This was probably the result of improper mixing where an ingredient formed hardened particulates in formed cookie rather than a uniform chewy texture. "A spokeswoman for the snack company, said in an email Wednesday to The Washington Post that there were instances in which the cornstarch “did not fully incorporate in the mixing procedure and solidified in the baking process.” Link

From a Food Safety Plan design perspective, this would be regarded as a potential physical hazard issue to be included at the ingredient mixing step.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm636197.htm
Mondelēz Global LLC Conducts Voluntary Recall of Certain Chewy Chips Ahoy 13oz Due to Unexpected Solidified Ingredient in Product in the US
For Immediate Release
April 13, 2019

African Swine Fever - Impact on Meat Supply

In Asia, a deadly pig virus has devastated East Asian farms with loses over a million hogs.    With a 30% reduction in pork in the largest pork producing country, China, there will be an increased demand to fill this gap pushing worldwide meat prices higher .

African Swine Virus does not affect humans, but can be very deadly for hogs.  There have not been any cases in the US and the USDA has been working to prevent introduction of the virus by the way of trade into the US. In March,  USDA-trained detector dogs played a major role in the seizure of smuggled pork from China.

The viruses are in the Asfarviridae family of viruses which are all enveloped and have double-stranded DNA genomes.  It was identified in the early 1900s.  The virus is found in warthogs and bushpigs with no ill effect, but causes a haemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates in domestic pigs.  The acute form of the virus can kill a pig within days.  Wild bores are thought to be an important vector for spreading the disease.

Bloomberg
Markets
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-11/meat-prices-seen-rising-as-deadly-virus-wipes-out-chinese-hogs
Meat Prices Seen Rising as Deadly Virus Wipes Out Chinese Hogs
By Irene Garcia Perez
April 11, 2019, 11:24 AM EDT