Food Fraud - Operation OPSON Report Opens Our Eyes to the Level of Deceit Involving Food

Operation OPSON is a coordinated operation between Europol and Interpol to combat trafficking of counterfeit and substandard food and beverages. In the ninth operation (Dec 2019 to Jun 2020) of this type, 83 countries were involved countries, and resulted in the removal a lot of product from commerce and the arrest of a lot of bad people.

We rarely see large scale food fraud investigations for foods originating in the United States, so this report is a great opportunity to see the large scale of food fraud around the world.  These are products that are either related to substitution (one food sold in place of another ) or the sale of substandard product (such as that occurs when adulterated product is knowingly sold as safe).

For the complete report, click on this link Operation Opson IX – Analysis report | Europol (europa.eu)

Here are the highlights (or low lights):

Dairy Products - 

Participating countries: Bulgaria, Italy, France, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland
The project resulted in the seizures of 320 tonnes of smuggled or substandard dairy products. National authorities seized rotten milk and cheese which posed a threat to consumer health. Additionally, 210 tonnes of cheese were seized, which did not meet the conditions to be labelled with a protected geographic denomination.
A Bulgarian investigation into an unregistered warehouse revealed seven samples of cheese tested positive for starch and E.coli. The authorities seized 3.6 tonnes of unsafe dairy products, which were supposed to be processed into melted cheese.

Olive Oil
Participating countries: Albania, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Jordan, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Spain
A total of 149 tonnes of cooking oil was seized as a result of this targeted action led by Greece. About 88 tonnes from the seizures were olive oil and were reported by Albania, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lithuania, Portugal and Spain.
In Italy, during a check on a company producing olive oil, inspectors found a surplus of product, which was not registered in the official documents of the company, thus more than 66 tonnes of olive oil were seized.

Alcohol and Wine
Participating countries: Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, France, Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, UK
Law enforcement authorities, coordinated by OLAF, seized 1.2 million litres of alcoholic beverages, with the largest quantity being wine. Norwegian authorities seized more than 5 000 litres of vodka smuggled in a trailer.

Horse Meat
Participating countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, UK
As a response to this dangerous criminal trend, Europol launched a dedicated project to support national authorities in combating the sale of illegal horse meat, led by Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands and supported by DG SANTE.
The operational activities focused on checks of documents of more than 157 000 horses from eight countries and about 117 tonnes of horse meat. Live animals and more than 17 tonnes of horse meat were seized from several slaughterhouses in Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Inspections of slaughterhouses in several countries showed that about 20% of the foreign passports used for these horses showed signs of forgery. Competition horses with forged documents were also sent to slaughterhouses.

Seafood

Illicit seafood products were reported in 79 cases, and, according to the data, the quantity seized was around 42.6  tonnes of products, estimated at around USD 591,094. Two arrests and two search warrants have been carried out in  connection with this category of product. Higher seizures were reported by Portugal, who in several higher seizures totaled about 29.8 tonnes of cod, sole, manta fish, bivalve mollusks, cuttlefish and octopus. Italy 3 tonnes of unspecified seafood, Jordan, 1.9 tonnes of unspecified fish and Belgium one ton of dried shrimp, the average for all the other seizures being somewhere at around 116 kg/seizure.

Food safety and deceiving consumers were the main infringements reported this year. The food items were seized when turned out to be species substitutions, for example Alaskan plaice instead of sole fish, various types of other fish posing as Atlantic/Pacific cod, packaging issues (adding water to frozen scallops to increase weight), mislabeling the product (generic commercial name instead of the exact species) or expired products.  In Italy, in one seizure, the authorities found in a marketplace counterfeit labels falsely stating that the fish products  were coming from a certain plant, while in South Africa the invoice of several seafood products stated personal  protection equipment (masks and gloves) related to COVID-19. The investigation revealed that the foreign citizen dealing  with the goods had no import permit and was illegally staying in South Africa.

Canada - Listeria Related Recalls in July

There were three recalls of food products due to Listeria. One for zucchini strips and the other two for cheese products.

https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/76093r-eng.php
Harvest Fresh brand Zucchini Spirals recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes
Ottawa, July 25, 2021 - Veg Pak Produce is recalling Harvest Fresh brand Zucchini Spirals from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results

https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/76091r-eng.php
Cahill's brand Original Irish Porter Cheese recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes
Ottawa, July 23, 2021 - Tree of Life Canada ULC is recalling Cahill's brand Original Irish Porter Cheese from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.
This recall was triggered by the company. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.

https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2021/76049r-eng.php
La Bella Contadina brand Burrata Nadi con latte di bufala (cheese) recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes
Ottawa, July 17, 2021 - The food recall warning issued on July 14, 2021 has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) food safety investigation.
Fruiterie Milano Inc. is recalling La Bella Contadina brand Burrata Nadi con latte di bufala (cheese) from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.
This recall was triggered by CFIA test results.

FDA Warning Letter - Foreign Producer of Rice Protien

FDA issued a warning letter to Panjin Hetian Food Co of China after inspection of the rice protein powder found deficiencies.  Specifically, the firm "did not identify contamination with environmental pathogens, such as Salmonella, as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether it requires a preventive control for RTE rice protein powder. A hazard evaluation must include an evaluation of environmental pathogens whenever a RTE food is exposed to the environment prior to packaging and the packaged food does not receive a treatment or otherwise include a control measure (21 CFR 117.130(c)(1)(ii)). Your facility manufactures rice protein, a RTE food which is exposed to the environment after a (b)(4) treatment prior to packaging. Once packaged, the food does not receive a lethal treatment or otherwise include a control measure (such as a formulation lethal to the pathogen or control by the supply chain or a downstream customer) that would significantly minimize the pathogen."

The firm was not conducting adequate environmental monitoring and the cleaning procedures were not appropriate for a dry processing facility.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/panjin-hetian-food-co-ltd-614617-07072021
WARNING LETTER

Europe - Large Salmonella Outbreak Linked to South American Melons

Across Europe, there has been 348 cases of Salmonella (posted July 22, 2021) associated with melons.   "Based on epidemiological, microbiological and traceability investigations, the vehicles of infection are presumed to be melons imported from outside the EU/EEA and the UK. Galia melons from the batch imported from a Honduran producer are probable vehicles of infection, at least in those cases reporting having consumed Galia melons."  The strain identified as S. Braenderup.

Harvesting was completed back in April and there are no longer any of this product on the market.

I find it interesting that the food safety authority in the EU had scant information for this rather large outbreak.  

EFSA
Multi‐country outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup ST22, presumed to be linked to imported melons | European Food Safety Authority (europa.eu)
Multi‐country outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup ST22, presumed to be linked to imported melons
Published:  22 July 2021
Adopted:16 July 2021

Beef Jerky Recalled for Undeclared Anchovies

Top Notch Jerky LLC., a Sugar City, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 107 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef jerky due to misbranding and undeclared allergens - the product contains anchovies, a known allergen, in the form of Worcestershire sauce.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS label verification activities when it was determined that the labels did not accurately list all sub-ingredients.

FSIS Announcement
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/top-notch-jerky-llc.-recalls-beef-jerky-products-due-misbranding-and-undeclared
Top Notch Jerky LLC. Recalls Beef Jerky Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

2019 Outbreak Investigation - Yersinia Outbreak Linked to Milk from Local PA Dairy

In July of 2019, an outbreak of Y. enterocolitica occurred in northeastern PA with 109 cases (48 confirmed and 61 probable). Ninety-two cases (84%) occurred among ∼535 campers and camp staff who were at a youth summer camp, and 17 (16%) occurred among community members. Onset dates were June 7 to July 26 (Fig. 2).

The cases were linked to a local dairy that pasteurized its own milk. "Y. enterocolitica was isolated from all three unpasteurized milk samples collected from the bulk milk tank. Nine isolates from the three samples were confirmed Y. enterocolitica bioserotype 1B/O:8. Y. enterocolitica was not isolated from any of the unopened pasteurized milk, environmental, or well water samples."

The dairy is "a small independent producer certified by PDA to produce grade A pasteurized milk. The dairy milked 75 cows and produced 17,500–24,500 pounds of milk per week. About 3,500 pounds (∼15%–20%) of milk per week were pasteurized on site with a high-temperature short-time pasteurizer that was purchased used 10 years previously. The dairy produced whole, 2%, skim, flavored milk, and heavy cream. Products pasteurized on site were bottled in single-use gallon, half-gallon, and pint-sized plastic bottles."

"The primary reservoir of Y. enterocolitica bioserotype 1B/O:8 is unknown, but isolates have been recovered from pigs (Doyle et al., 1981), a wild boar (Syczyło et al., 2018), and wild rodents (Hayashidani et al., 1995). This bioserotype was found in two similar outbreaks in the United States related to pasteurized milk from small dairies in New England (Ackers et al., 2000) and Pennsylvania (Longenberger et al., 2014). In the New England outbreak, nonpathogenic strains of Y. enterocolitica, including bioserotype 1A/O:8, were isolated from pigs at the dairy, and pigs were hypothesized to be the outbreak source. In the 2011 Pennsylvania outbreak, pigs were not present in the dairy, but milk crates might have been contaminated during home deliveries at the farms of several people reporting direct contact with pigs. 

"Although [investigators] could not determine the pathogen's origin at Dairy A, the possibility exists that the pigs or wildlife near the dairy provided a potential source of Y. enterocolitica. Unfortunately, [investigators] were unable to test the pigs before their removal from Dairy A."

From the FDA Bad Bug Book

• Y. enterocolitica is psychotropic (i.e., a microorganism that grows well at low temperature) and has the ability to grow at temperatures below 4°C. 
• Has been isolated from animals, such as pigs, birds, beavers, cats, dogs, frogs, flies, and fleas. Y. enterocolitica has been detected in environmental sources, such as soil and water (e.g., ponds and lakes).
• Yersinia enterocolitica has been linked to illness from consumption of pork (including 'chitlins') unpasteurized milk and oysters.
• Symptoms start from one day to two weeks after infection and include high fever and stomach pain with diarrhea (in some cases bloody) and sometimes vomiting.  Some people will get arthritis-like symptoms.  Symptoms may last from a few days to several weeks.
• People in high risk categories are at .......a higher risk.  

Foodborne Pathogens and DiseaseVol. 18, No. 7

Yersinia enterocolitica Outbreak Associated with Pasteurized Milk | Foodborne Pathogens and Disease (liebertpub.com)
Yersinia enterocolitica Outbreak Associated with Pasteurized Milk
Joann F. Gruber, Sheri Morris, Kimberly A. Warren, Kelly E. Kline, Betsy Schroeder, Lisa Dettinger, Brigitte Husband, Kerry Pollard, Carina Davis, Judith Miller, Andre Weltman, Mia Mattioli, Logan Ray, Cheryl Tarr, and Allison H. Longenberger
Published Online:9 Jul 2021https://doi.org/10.1089/fpd.2020.2924

Bagged Carrot Products Recalled After Company Sampling Finds Salmonella Positive Sample

Grimmway Farms has voluntarily issued a recall of certain carrot products because they may have been contaminated with Salmonella as a result of a routine, internal company test.  "In addition to the retail-packed products listed in the table at the end of this press release, the company recalled certain shredded carrots and chopped (chunk) carrots that were sold to food manufacturers and food service distributors."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/grimmway-farms-voluntarily-recalls-certain-retail-packaged-carrots-due-potential-salmonella
Grimmway Farms Voluntarily Recalls Certain Retail-Packaged Carrots Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: July 21, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 22, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Produce
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name:  Grimmway Farms
Brand Name:  Grimmway Farms and others
Product Description:  Carrot products

Packaged Muffins Recalled After Listeria-Positive Environmental Sample

Give and Go Prepared Foods (U.S.A.) Corp. announced today a voluntary nationwide recall of certain muffin products due to the potential for the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

The company "became aware of this issue as part of our environmental monitoring program. To date, we have received no reports of illness related to this issue and are taking this action out of an abundance of caution."

Muffins and Listeria?

Give and Go Prepared Foods (U.S.A.) Corp. Conducts Voluntary Recall of Certain Muffin Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 19, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Bakery Product/Mix
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Company Name:  Give and Go Prepared Foods Corp.
Brand Name:  Uncle Wally's and multiple other brands
Product Description:  muffin products

Dried Apricots Recalled Due to Undeclared Sulfites

Lipari Foods of Warren, Michigan is recalling 86 cases of Troyer Manufacturing Backroad Country Dried Apricots because it may contain undeclared sulfites.  This recall was initiated due to Florida’s Department of Agriculture performing an inspection. It was observed during the inspection that the Backroad Country Dried Apricots with the lot code of 440021117 and expiration date of 12/2021 contained sulfites that were not declared on the label.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lipari-foods-recalling-dried-apricots-because-they-may-contain-undeclared-sulfites
Lipari Foods is Recalling Dried Apricots Because They May Contain Undeclared Sulfites
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 20, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  July 20, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Sulfites
Company Name:  Lipari Foods
Brand Name:  Backroad Country
Product Description:  Dried Apricots