USDA-ERS Releases Report on Economic Cost of Major Foodborne Illness in the US 2018

The USDA-ERS (Economic Research Service) released their report on the Economic Cost of Major Foodborne Illness in the US. Based upon 2018 data, they estimate that the economic impact is $17.6 billion, up $2 billion from the last report in 2013. One can access the impact of each of the major food-related pathogens and how the values were calculated for each.

These estimates are based upon other estimates and so you can take these number with a grain of salt. They are more useful in justifying government expenditures than applying it to a company. However, one fact I think is interesting is this, "ERS approximated the value of each life saved in the United States at $8.7 million in 2013 dollars, which increased to $9.7 million in 2018 dollars when adjusted for inflation and income growth." Basically, if you save a life or two by preventing something, you just saved $9.7 million. Catching that labeling issue that would have allowed undeclared peanut getting into commerce.....probably at a minimum, you saved $9.7 million.  That would be something to be proud of.

USDA -ERS
https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2021/april/economic-cost-of-major-foodborne-illnesses-increased-2-billion-from-2013-to-2018/
Economic Cost of Major Foodborne Illnesses Increased $2 Billion From 2013 to 2018
by Sandra Hoffmann and Jae-Wan Ahn

Vitamin Gummies Recalled After Two Foreign Object Complaints for Metallic Mesh

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (NYSE:CHD) today initiated a voluntary recall of select vitafusion gummy products after the Company’s investigation of two consumer reports identified the possible presence of a metallic mesh material in product lots manufactured in a four-day period between October 29 and November 3, 2020.  Nope, can't claim this as extra iron.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/church-dwight-initiates-voluntary-recall-select-vitamins-due-isolated-manufacturing-issue
Church & Dwight Initiates Voluntary Recall of Select Vitamins Due to Isolated Manufacturing Issue
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 20, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  April 20, 2021
Product Type:  Dietary Supplements  Vitamins
Reason for Announcement:  May contain metallic mesh material
Company Name:  Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
Brand Name:  Vitafusion
Product Description:  Gummy vitamin products

Imported Chinese and Korean Enoki Mushrooms Recalled After Sampling by MI Dept of Ag Finds Listeria

Guan’s Mushroom Co of Commerce, CA and is recalling all cases of its 200g/7.05-ounce packages of Enoki Mushroom (Product of China) and Golden Medal Mushroom Inc. of Los Angeles, CA is recalling all cases of its 200g/7.05-ounce packages of Enoki Mushrooms (Product of Korea) because  they have  the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 200g package of Enoki.  The distribution of the product has been suspended.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/guans-mushroom-co-recalls-enoki-because-possible-health-risk-0
Guan’s Mushroom Co Recalls Enoki Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 20, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  April 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Guan’s Mushroom Co.
Brand Name:  Guan's
 Product Description: Enoki Mushroom

Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips Recalled for Undeclared Milk

Shearer’s Foods LLC of Massillon, OH is voluntarily recalling two lots of 9.5 ounce bags of “Raley’s Salt & Vinegar Flavored Potato Chips,” because they may contain undeclared milk.   Product was packed and sold for Riley's retail stores in CA.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/shearers-foods-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-raleys-salt-vinegar-flavored-potato-chips
Shearer’s Foods LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Raley’s Salt & Vinegar Flavored Potato Chips
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 19, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  April 19, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May Contain Undeclared Milk
Company Name:  Shearer’s Foods LLC
Brand Name:  Raley’s
Product Description:  Salt & Vinegar Flavored Potato Chips

Coffee-like Product Recalled for Allergens After 20 Years of Distribution....Yeah, That Natural Flavoring Can Contain Allergens

Creative Foods Inc. of Prineville, Oregon is recalling two products, Bueno Coffee Substitute Creamy Hazelnut and Bueno Coffee Substitute Pecan Praline. They both may contain undeclared peanut, hazelnut, and/or barley (gluten).   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Coffee Substitute Gluten-Free products containing hazelnut, peanut and barley (gluten containing grain) were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of these allergens.  

So the company did not look into what was included in the natural flavoring...not realizing perhaps that nut flavor comes from nuts?  The notice states that they have been distributing product nationally for 20 years.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/creative-foods-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-hazelnut-peanut-and-barley-gluten-two-coffee
Creative Foods Inc Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Hazelnut, Peanut And Barley (Gluten) In Two Coffee Substitute Gluten-Free Products
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 17, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  April 17, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanut, hazelnut, and/or barley (gluten)
Company Name:  Creative Foods Inc.
Brand Name:  Bueno
Product Description:  Coffee substitute

Lobster Bisque Recalled for Undeclared Egg Allergens

Blount Fine Foods announced that, in partnership with the FDA, it is voluntarily recalling a limited amount (a single lot—2,987 cases total) of 16 oz. Panera at Home Lobster Bisque due to potential contamination with an undeclared egg allergen.  No illnesses have been reported.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blount-fine-foods-voluntarily-recalls-limited-amount-single-lot-lobster-bisque-due-possible
Blount Fine Foods Voluntarily Recalls a Limited Amount (a Single Lot) of Lobster Bisque Due to Possible Undeclared Egg Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 14, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  April 15, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared egg
Company Name:  Blount Fine Foods
Brand Name:  Panera
Product Description:  Lobster Bisque

The Mr. Goodtime Chocolate Bunny May Be Harboring an Undeclared Almond

Lake Champlain Chocolates (LCC) is issuing a public alert and a voluntary recall on a mis-labeled Mr. Goodtime Bunny with a Best By date of 11/20/21 that may have been purchased between 2/22/21-3/25/21. LCC is issuing this recall after a consumer reported that the product contained almonds, which were not declared on the label.  The Country Bunny Basket may contain the affected bunny.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lake-champlain-chocolates-voluntarily-recalls-mr-goodtime-bunny-best-date-11202021-undeclared
Lake Champlain Chocolates Voluntarily Recalls Mr. Goodtime Bunny With Best By Date 11/20/2021 for Undeclared Almonds
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 15, 2021
 FDA Publish Date:  April 15, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared almonds
Company Name:  Lake Champlain Chocolates
Brand Name:  Mr. Goodtime Bunny
Product Description:  Chocolate candy

Ohio Company Recalls Salsa After State Determines Undeclared Anchovy Allergen

Jose Madrid Salsa in Zanesville, Ohio is voluntarily recalling its Strawberry Mild salsa, packaged in 13oz glass jars, due to an undeclared anchovy allergen. The issue was discovered during a routine inspection conducted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. There have been no reports of illness involving the product addressed in this recall, however, people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to anchovy run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. Individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms of foodborne illness or allergies should contact a physician immediately.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jose-madrid-salsa-issues-voluntary-recall-due-undeclared-anchovy-allergen
Jose Madrid Salsa Issues a Voluntary Recall Due to an Undeclared Anchovy Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 14, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  April 15, 2021
Product Type:Food & Beverages Gravy/Sauces
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared anchovy
Company Name:  Jose Madrid Salsa
Brand Name:  Jose Madrid Salsa
Product Description:  Strawberry Mild Salsa

Trader Joe's Supplier Issues Recall for Undeclared Milk Allergens in Tortilla Chips

Snak King Corporation of City of Industry, CA is voluntarily recalling 9 ounce packages of “Trader Joe’s Restaurant Style White Corn Tortilla Chips” with a sell by date of 08/09/21 and 08/10/21 due to a potential of an undeclared milk allergen.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/snak-king-corporation-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-allergen-trader-joes-restaurant-style
Snak King Corporation Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk Allergen in Trader Joe’s Restaurant Style White Corn Tortilla Chips - Expanded to Include 8/11/21 Code Date
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 13, 2021
FDA Publish Date: April 14, 2021
Product Type: Food & Beverages   Sanck Food Item
Reason for Announcement:  Product may contain undeclared milk
Company Name:  Snak King Corporation
Brand Name:  Trader Joe’s
Product Description:  Restaurant Style White Corn Tortilla Chips