Oatmeal Recalled After Consumers Finds Almond in Product Where Almonds Not on Label.

think! and Interpac Technologies, Inc., of Woodland, California, a supplier of certain think! brand oatmeal products, have issued a voluntary recall on specific lots of think! Protein + Fiber Oatmeal, Farmer’s Market Berry Crumble products which may inadvertently contain undeclared tree nuts, including almonds and pecans. The recall was initiated following a report from a consumer of finding a piece of almond while consuming the product, and it was discovered that products manufactured in the same lot may contain undeclared almonds or pecans. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an inadvertent error in the production process.

This appears to be a line clean-out issue.  The company needs to 'think' about how to verify proper clean-out is accomplished between runs of product, especially when non-allergen product is produced after product containing nuts.  (Actually, they need to do more than 'think' about it, but implement procedures.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/think-and-interpac-technologies-inc-issue-voluntary-recall-and-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nuts
Think! and Interpac Technologies, Inc., Issue Voluntary Recall and Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in Think! Protein + Fiber Oatmeal, Farmer’s Market Berry Crumble Products
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 28, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  January 28, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to undeclared almonds and pecans
Company Name:  think! and Interpac Technologies, Inc.
Brand Name:  think!
Product Description:  Protein fiber oatmeal farmer’s market berry crumble

Yellow Peas Recalled For Soy Allergen Which Resulted After Mix-up with Soybeans

Maine Grains, Inc. of Skowhegan, Maine is recalling 2,000 pounds of Organic Yellow Peas sold between 10.17.2019 and 11.1.2020 because it may contain undeclared soybeans.   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that organic soybeans of very similar size, shape and color to organic yellow peas were mistakenly shipped by a farmer supplier to Maine Grains, Inc. and were used to fulfill orders of organic yellow peas.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/maine-grains-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-organic-yellow-peas
Maine Grains, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in Organic Yellow Peas
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 27, 2021
FDA Publish Date: January 27, 2021
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Undeclared soy
Company Name: Main Grains, Inc.
Brand Name: Maine Grains, GrowNYC
Product Description: Organic yellow peas

Investigation of E. coli Outbreak Associated with Leafy Greens Comes to an End with Only One Positive Environmental Sample Found

FDA closed the investigation of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak related to leafy greens that was reported back in October of 2020 by the CDC.  The outbreak which affected 40 people in 19 different states and was officially ended in December of 2020 was linked to leafy greens form Salinas, CA, however an intense investigation failed to identify the specific source.  The only significant finding -  "the outbreak strain in a sample of cattle feces collected on a roadside about a mile upslope from a produce farm.

FDA In Brief: Leafy Greens E. coli Outbreak Investigation Concludes, Identifies Environmental Sample with Recurring Outbreak Strain | FDA
FDA In Brief: Leafy Greens E. coli Outbreak Investigation Concludes, Identifies Environmental Sample with Recurring Outbreak Strain
January 27, 2021

Insects as Food in the Future - Allergens for Some May Be a Concern

In a recent study, researchers investigated the allergen concerns with insects.  Insects are consumed in many parts of the world, and many view them as becoming a bigger component of our diet in the future.  There are many start-ups in the US focused on developing food products using bugs, and in the EU, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) just approved golden mealworms safe for consumption.

But because insects are related to crustacean shellfish, there would be similar allergen concerns.  “Shellfish allergies affect up to three per cent of people globally, but varies according to age and region, and there’s a good chance that people allergic to shellfish will also react to insects.”


https://www.ecu.edu.au/news/latest-news/2021/01/putting-bugs-on-the-menu-safely
Putting bugs on the menu, safely
Thursday, 28 January 2021

CNBC- How the KitchenAid stand mixer became a status symbol

 This is an interesting video on the KitchenAid stand mixer and how it has become the standard for the home baker.

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2021/01/23/how-the-kitchenaid-stand-mixer-became-a-status-symbol.html

Allowable R&D Tax Credits Can Help Fund Your Technical Projects and Programs

 I recently attended a recent seminar by Leyton, a group that provides support for companies to take advantage of R&D Tax Credits.  R&D tax credits were established by the Federal government to promote technical innovation and development within industries such as the food industry.  The Federal R&D tax credit has a start up and small business provision which helps to offset FICA for annual payroll taxes.  And some states also offer some form of the R&D Tax credit, so companies can actually get both Federal & State Tax credit  

I came to see that many technical / food safety projects and programs that food companies are looking to implement could potentially be written off from taxes allowing companies to better afford and support these initiatives.   For example, it may be possible to deduct expenditures as a company implements a third audit compliance system, develops a pathogen monitoring program, or installs IT-intensive traceability systems.  Allowable expenditures could include staffing, consultants, equipment, and supplies.

There are certain criteria that must be met to qualify, but I think it is worth investigating if you or your company are considering or planning to improve your company’s capabilities.  I was not aware of this potential tax deduction, and my guess, your financial people may also not be aware.

Popcorn Recalled for Milk Allergens when Cheddar Flavored Labeled as Butter Flavored

Bickel’s Snack Foods, Inc. is recalling one specific lot of 8 oz. bags labeled as Butter Flavored Popcorn were filled with cheddar flavored popcorn. The error resulted in a undeclared milk being present.  But wait, wouldn't butter flavor have milk allergens just like the cheddar flavored popcorn?  Not, the butter flavor is just the flavor chemicals and oil, not real butter.

(Source: FDA - https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bickels-snack-foods-inc-issues-allergy-alert-specific-lot-butter-flavored-popcorn)

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bickels-snack-foods-inc-issues-allergy-alert-specific-lot-butter-flavored-popcorn
Bickel’s Snack Foods, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Specific Lot of Butter Flavored Popcorn
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 22, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  January 25, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Bickel’s Snack Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Bickel’s Snack Foods
Product Description:  Butter Flavored Popcorn

Single-Serve Coffee Cups Recalled After Allergens Left Off the Packaging

Door County Coffee & Tea Co of Sturgeon Bay, WI, is recalling its 5.1 ounce packages of French Vanilla Flavored Cappuccino Single Serve Cups because they may contain undeclared Milk and Soy.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product contains Milk and Soy was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of these allergens. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a printing omission on the packaging.

As a control to prevent this type of issue, incoming packaging should always be reviewed for label content, including allergen correctness.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/door-county-coffee-tea-co-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-and-soy-french-vanilla-flavored
Door County Coffee & Tea Co Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Soy in French Vanilla Flavored Cappuccino Single Serve Cups
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 21, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  January 22, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Product may contain undeclared milk and soy.
Company Name:  Door County Coffee & Tea Co.
Brand Name:  Door County Coffee & Tea Co.
Product Description:  French Vanilla Flavored Cappuccino Single Serve Cups

Bottles of Tartar Sauce Recalled Due to a Potential Spoilage Issue

House-Autry Mills, Inc. , a North Carolina based Food Company, is recalling several lots of its Tartar Sauce after the co-packer identified a potential spoilage situation.  This is said to be a precautionary recall.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/house-autry-mills-announces-voluntary-recall-house-autry-tartar-sauce-due-spoilage
House-Autry Mills Announces Voluntary Recall of House-Autry Tartar Sauce Due to Spoilage
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 22, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  January 22, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:   Spoilage
Company Name:  House-Autry Mills, Inc.
Brand Name:  House-Autry
Product Description:  Tartar Sauce