Biden Signs FASTER Legislation that Requires Sesame Allergen Declaration on Food, Opens Doors for Other Food Allergens

President Biden signed the FASTER (Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research Act ) that makes sesame the ninth allergen that requires label declaration.  

In the Washington Post article;

"According to Lisa Gable, chief executive of FARE, 1.6 million Americans have sesame allergies. This law will require foods containing sesame to be clearly labeled by January 2023. But perhaps more significant, the legislation says the Department of Health and Human Services must prioritize regular reviews of promising food allergy treatments and research."

While this will require those who use sesame to highlight it on the label..Contains Sesame, the bigger issue for manufacturers is that it opens the door for continued addition of allergens through a simpler review process through more simply changing regulation rather than passing new legistlation.

“The other big piece of this legislation is it will establish a risk-based scientific process and framework for establishing additional allergens,” Gable said.

This will have an impact on costs in that the need for label changes can come at an increased rate.  With over 160 food allergens, that Contains Statement could get pretty long.

The Legislation also puts additional resources into research and education on food allergens.

Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/04/23/biden-faster-act-allergy/
Biden signs law that makes sesame the ninth major food allergen
The Faster Act will also step up allergy research
By
Laura Reiley
April 23, 2021 at 7:26 p.m. EDT

FAO Releases Document on Food Safety Perspectives for Edible Insects

 FAO released a document titled, "Looking at Edible Insects from a Food Safety Perspective".  The document overviews food safety hazards associated with edible insects.   Most issues are related to the inputs, specifically the food that is fed to the insects and the environment in which the insects are raised.  A good resource to bookmark for your file....'when I forced to eat bugs'.

I personally have begun to farm meal worms...not for my consumption but for Bluebirds.  I thought I would be churning out loads of meal worms and thus would have become a popular stop on the Bluebird circuit.  Months into the process and I am still working with my initial generation.  At this rate, I am finding it difficult to feed a few Bluebirds let alone the human population.

Imported Frozen Beef From Australia Recalled for E. coli O157:H7

JBS USA Food Company, a Greeley, Colo. firm and Importer of Record, is recalling approximately 4,860 pounds of imported boneless beef products after FSIS collected a routine product sample that confirmed positive for the presence of E. coli O157:H7.  The raw, frozen, boneless beef products were imported from Australia on or around Nov. 10, 2020 and distributed for further processing

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/jbs-usa-food-company-recalls-imported-boneless-beef-products-due-possible-e.-coli
JBS USA Food Company Recalls Imported Boneless Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination
FSIS Announcement
WASHINGTON, April 16, 2021 – JBS USA Food Company, a Greeley, Colo. firm and Importer of Record, is recalling approximately 4,860 pounds of imported boneless beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Outbreak Possibly Linked to Fake Cheese from CA, Recall Issued

The FDA. CDC. and State partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Duisburg infections linked to the consumption of Jule’s Cashew Brie, a vegan, or plant-based cheese alternative [fake cheese].   CDC identified an outbreak of five Salmonella Duisburg illnesses, which is considered a rare Salmonella serotype.  Three of five people interviewed recalled eating this [fake] cheese. 

Jule’s Foods of Carlsbad, CA has issued a recall for all Jule’s Foods products, 

These products are often made from raw cashews (unroasted), so there needs to be some Salmonella reduction step.  

Calling this Brie Cheese?  This product is made from cashews, so probably should have been called squishy nut loaf or something similar rather than besmirching real cheese.  Seriously though, when you read the title on the Investigation Notice, are you not thinking it is Brie cheese with cashews sprinkled on top.  Sounds lovely, served warm with some sliced French Bread and paired with a glass of Chablis.  No, it is squishy cashew loaf.  Not even sure what you pair that with...Zima?

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-duisburg-jules-cashew-brie-april-2021
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Duisburg: Jule's Cashew Brie (April 2021)
Ongoing investigation of illnesses linked to Jule’s Cashew Brie; Do not purchase, eat, sell, or serve
Content current as of:
04/23/2021

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