FDA Warning Letter - Food Companies Failing to Comply with FSVP for Imported Food Products

Two food importers were issued Warning Letters for failure to implement FSVP for the products these companies were importing.  The FSVP regulation requires that importers perform certain risk-based activities (a hazard analysis and appropriate approval and verification activities) to verify that human and/or animal food they import into the United States has been produced in a manner that meets applicable U.S. food safety standards.

As we often see, importers and companies who purchase importers are often unaware of these requirements.  Penn State and other trainers provide FSPCA's FSVP training, a two day event that covers the requirements of the regulation.

Akshar Sales, LLC, of Fremont, CA

While the foreign supplier provided a hazard analysis obtained for imported Chai Biscuits and Fruit Biscuits and Vermicelli, the importer did not provide documentation that these were reviewed and assessed  2) The company did not approve foreign suppliers on the basis of an evaluation of the foreign supplier’s performance and the risk posed by the food 3) The company did have not established written procedures for approving foreign suppliers for any of your imported foods.4) the importer did not document a determination or performance of appropriate supplier verification activities, did not establish written procedures for ensuring that appropriate supplier verification activities,  did not document the determination of the appropriate supplier verification activity, and did not document (or obtain documentation of) performance of one or more of the supplier verification activities

Garden Fresh Market of Buffalo Grove, IL 
The company did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP as required for imported pickled tomatoes, pickled tomatoes and cucumbers, and half sour pickles.  The company indicated that they were not planning to import any further product.


FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/akshar-sales-llc-615274-08162021
Akshar Sales LLC
MARCS-CMS 615274 — AUGUST 16, 2021

Carrot Cake Recalled for Undeclared Allergens

The Baking Institute Bakery Co. of Northbrook, Illinois is recalling “Carrot Cake” because it may contain undeclared walnuts, coconut, and milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing walnuts, coconut and milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of walnut, coconut and milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/baking-institute-bakery-co-issues-allergen-alert-undeclared-walnuts-coconuts-and-milk-carrot-cake
The Baking Institute Bakery Co. Issues Allergen Alert on Undeclared Walnuts, Coconuts and Milk in “Carrot Cake”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 02, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  September 02, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Bakery Product/Mix
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared walnuts, coconuts and milk
Company Name:  Nicotine Nirvana
Brand Name:  The Baking Institute Bakery Co.
Product Description:  Carrot Cake

Crab Cake Meal Recalled for Undeclared Milk

Weis Markets is recalling its in-store $7 Crab Cake Meal for undeclared milk allergen on its label. The issue was discovered during a routine inspection.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/weis-markets-issues-allergy-alert-7-crab-cake-meal-due-undeclared-milk-allergen
Weis Markets Issues an Allergy Alert for $7 Crab Cake Meal Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 02, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  September 02, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages Shellfish
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Weis Markets
Brand Name:  Weis Markets
Product Description:  Crab Cake Meal

Allergen Free Tiger Nut Flour Gains Popularity as Wheat Flour Alternative

Tiger nut flour is gaining popularity as an gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. Actually, it is not a nut either, so it is allergen free. So what is tiger nut flour?

Tiger nut or chufa is a tuber from the plant Cyperus esculentus. This tuber is ground and sifted to produce a flour said to have favorable characteristics. Chufa is an ancient food source originating in the Eastern Hemisphere, primarily Africa. In the Western Hemisphere, it has been considered an invasive weed in certain areas.

"Tiger nut flour is rich in calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron and zinc, vitamins C and E and folic acid, as well as unsaturated fats and proteins. It is low in carbohydrates, which makes it ideal for Paleo and Ketogenic diets, and is high in fiber and antioxidants."

"Tiger nut flour is ideal for gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, vegan, keto and paleo diets and can be cooked, baked or fried. While the moist, chewy texture is ideal for a number of applications and recipes, the milky sugary taste is perfect for baked goods as well as sweet breads and tart shells and can be used to add ‘bulk’ to no-bake treats."

And you can even make beer from Chufa.

Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2021/08/31/five-reasons-why-tiger-nut-flour-is-the-trendiest-alternative-flour/
Five Reasons Why Tiger Nut Flour Is The Trendiest Alternative Flour

Tiger nut (or chufa nut) flour, which is ground from tubers that grow on the yellow nutsedge plant, is gaining popularity globally as the perfect substitute for wheat flour, given its gluten-free properties, its status as a super food and its natural sweet taste. The flour, which is made by grinding tiger nut tubers and sieving the powder through a fine screen, acts like almond flour, adding moisture and chewiness but with a sweeter taste.

Orange Biscuits Recalled After NY State Ag Detects Undeclared Milk Allergen

KBF Inc. of Astoria, NY, is recalling its 8.11 ounce packages of “Banoful Top Orange Biscuit” food treats because they may contain undeclared milk allergens.  The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of undeclared milk allergens in the 8.11 ounce packages of “Banoful Top Orange Biscuit” which did not declare a milk ingredient on the label.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kbf-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-allergens-banoful-top-orange-biscuit
KBF Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk Allergens in Banoful Top Orange Biscuit
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 25, 2021
FDA Publish Date: August 31, 2021
Product Type: Food & Beverages Snack Food Item
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  KBF Inc.
Brand Name:Banoful
Product Description: Banoful Top Orange Biscuit

Cherry Butter Product Recalled for Undeclared Milk Allergen

Rocky Top Farms of Ellsworth, MI, is recalling its 10-ounce jars of "Cherry Butter" fruit butter because they may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the milk containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.  (Wrong label on product?)  Production of the product has been suspended until FDA and the company are certain that the problem has been corrected.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rocky-top-farms-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-cherry-butter
Rocky Top Farms Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in “Cherry Butter”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:   August 26, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  August 30, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Fruit/Fruit Product
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Rocky Top Farms
Brand Name:  Rocky Top Farms
Product Description: Cherry Butter

NJ Company Recalls Deli Meat After CDC Links Product to Salmonella Outbreak

Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., a Mount Olive, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 862,000 pounds of uncured antipasto products after CDC linked that product to an outbreak of Salmonella from two strains - Salmonella Infantis and/or Salmonella Typhimurium,

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fratelli-beretta-usa-inc.-recalls-ready-eat-uncured-antipasto-meat-products-due
Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Uncured Antipasto Meat Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

FRATELLI BERETTA USA, INC.

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2021 – Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., a Mount Olive, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 862,000 pounds of uncured antipasto products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Infantis and/or Salmonella Typhimurium, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

UK - Intentional Contamination - Man Arrested After Injecting Food At London Markets

A 37 year old man was arrested after he was found to have been injecting food items using a hypodermic needle. The contents of the needle are reported to be blood.    The man is reported to be a lawyer / solicitor.

"Following the incident, Hammersmith and Fulham Council advised shoppers to throw away anything bought from the three shops late on Wednesday."  

Blimey, what if you had purchased a delicious steak?  Am I supposed to just throw it away?  No refund?  (Blimey - English term used to express surprise, alarm and even excitement.)

https://www.mylondon.news/news/local-news/fulham-man-leoaai-elghareeb-37-21413947
Fulham man Leoaai Elghareeb, 37, charged with contaminating food in West London supermarkets
He is due before Westminster Magistrates’ Court today
ByAlexander Britton & Chay Quinn, PADavid FlettMax Channon
01:10, 27 AUG 2021

FDA Issues Warning for Products From WA Fish Processor After Listeria Positive Environmental Samples

FDA issued a Public Health Alert on fish products manufactured by Felix Custom Smoking of Monroe, Washington.  Felix Custom Smoking is the company that manufactured Loki Smoked Salmon which was recalled earlier in the week.  "The FDA is advising consumers not to eat any of Felix’s products or products processed by Felix and to discard any remaining products they may have purchased in the past due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination."

The Listeria issue was identified when environmental samples collected during an FDA inspection were determined to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes.  Some of positive environmental samples were from food contact surfaces. "The FDA detected the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes and other strains of Listeria during an inspection at Felix Custom Smoking that began on July 19, 2021 and is still ongoing. As part of the inspection, on July 19, 2021, the FDA collected environmental samples from the firm which consisted of 104 samples from direct food contact surfaces and areas near direct food contact surfaces. Laboratory analysis shows that of the 104 samples collected, 19 tested positive for the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes and four tested positive for other strains of Listeria. Of the 19 samples that were positive for Listeria monocytogenes, five were collected from food contact surfaces."


https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/public-health-alert-concerning-possible-listeria-contamination-felix-custom-smoking-seafood-products
Public Health Alert Concerning Possible Listeria Contamination of Felix Custom Smoking Seafood Products
August 27, 2021