Research Article on Meat Plant Survival and The Need for Providing Support

This is an interesting article on factors that affect survival of small meat establishments.  Nothing really new, but certainly validates what we have probably recognized.  But as governmental funding has become available for small establishments, it provides some direction for how monies should be spent.

"An effective way to increase industry resilience among smaller processors might be encouraging diversification and vertical integration. The success of smaller retail meat markets is likely contingent on local demand, however.7 Retail meat markets may not be successful in areas where demand for niche products is weak, or where incomes are not high enough to support sales of high-value-added products."

Not claiming to be an expert on this topic, but the work I have seen done by our group here at Penn State, in conjunction with the meat associations AMP and PAMP,  have done a tremendous job in helping facilities become better at what they do - specifically diversifying products.  Attending the PAMP Meat Judging contest over the past decade, I have seen a proliferation of different meat products, thanks in large part to the support these processors receive.  So if I am the government giving money to support this industry, this is a good place to start.

Another factor touched upon is local demand, and creating local demand.  How many of us frequent a local meat market?  Personally, I love meat markets.  But they are like hidden gems that most people are not aware.

But starting a meat establishments has many challenges - environmental, supply, and labor to name a few.  But what we can do is to make sure we support the ones we have.

Journal of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jaa2.55
Meat processing plant survival: The role of plant and regional characteristics
Catherine Isley, Sarah A. Low

First published: 26 April 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/jaa2.55

Abstract

Federal and state governments are making major investments in expanded meat processor capacity and improved industry resilience. To improve decision-making, this research identifies characteristics related to the probability of meat processing plant survival using hazard analysis and establishment-level data on US meat processors (including beef, pork, goat, lamb and mutton, and large game processors) 1997–2020. We find plant survival is associated with both plant characteristics and local context, though specific factors related to survival vary with plant size and rurality. Smaller plants are less likely to survive than larger plants, and for smaller plants survival is most strongly related to business diversification. For larger plants, local context, including workforce variables, has the strongest relationship with survival. Our analysis shows little relationship between meat processing industry concentration and plant survival, though we find weak evidence of a positive relationship between industry concentration and large nonmetro plant survival.

FDA Reports on Sampling Project for Pathogens in RTE Dips and Spreads

FDA released a report on their sampling of RTE dips and spreads for Listeria and Salmonella. The concern is that these products will have post-lethality (after pasteurization) exposure during additional  processing such as mixing before packaging where they can be subject to recontamination.  (Ingredient contamination can also be an issue of course)  Once packaged, the product is held under refrigeration conditions, generally having a long shelf-life, and then consumed, as is, by the consumer...often served with chips or veggies as a vehicle to scoop the product and deliver it by hand to the mouth   (I think you know the process.)  FDA points out the issue with these products.

"Over the past few years, there have been a few outbreaks and many recalls of dips and spreads. In FY2019, there were two outbreaks of Salmonella linked to Tahini (12 confirmed cases, 1 hospitalizations). In FY2017, there were two outbreaks of L. monocytogenes linked tohummus (31 confirmed cases, 26 hospitalizations, 3 fetal losses); one of the outbreaks may have contributed to 3 deaths. These past outbreaks and recalls are what prompted FDA to initiate this surveillance sampling assignment to survey the industry, perform follow-up inspections to positive samples to identify potential routes and sources of contamination, when possible, and ensure potentially contaminated product was removed from the retail market to protect public health."

The top items sampled included hummus (336), cheese spread (82) cheese and vegetable spread (65), dairy [sour cream type?] (63), cheese and pepper (54), dairy and vegetable [sour cream and oinion?], and salsa (37).

Out of the 747 samples tested in this assignment, four were detected to have a human pathogen

Salmonella - The agency detected Salmonella spp. in one hummus sample collected from a retail establishment in Kingsburg, CA. The FDA detected the serovar Salmonella Havana in one of the two composites. Upon detecting Salmonella spp., the FDA performed Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis on the organism and determined that it did not match any known human illnesses and was not linked to any other product or environmental samples.

Listeria - The FDA detected Listeria monocytogenes in three dips and spreads samples – two cheese samples, one cheese and pepper sample – collected from a retail establishment in Colorado Springs, CO. All three of the samples contaminated with L. monocytogenes were produced by the same manufacturer. After detecting L. monocytogenes, the agency conducted WGS analysis on the organisms and determined they did not match any known human illnesses and were not linked to any other product or environmental samples.

The agency’s finding of three positive product samples and over 23 positive environmental samples all from one firm indicates that the controls that firm established were not effective at significantly minimizing or preventing L. monocytogenes from contaminating their RTE finished products. The large number of positive environmental samples found in the follow-up inspection indicates the firm had not implemented effective sanitation controls. 

Dairy Free Gelato Recalled After a Consumer Tastes Milk in the Product..and is Right

Gelato Boy of Boulder, Colorado is recalling 728 cases / 5,824 units of Chocolate Chunk Gelato [a 'dairy free product] because it may contain undeclared MILK.  The recall was initiated after a customer notified Gelato Boy that the pint did not have its normal appearance and that it “tasted like there’s dairy in it”. Gelato Boy immediately located a pint with the same lot code and brought it to a lab for testing. It was confirmed that the product containing MILK was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of MILK.

So my guess is that this was not a trace of milk (cross contact), but a whole lot of milk.  Either that, or this person has some serious milk-tasting chops.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gelato-boy-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-chocolate-chunk-gelato
Gelato Boy Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Chocolate Chunk Gelato
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 14, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  June 14, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Ice Cream/Frozen Dairy
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Gelato Boy
Brand Name:  Gelato Boy
Product Description:  Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

FDA Report on Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections - Frozen Strawberries (February 2023)

FDA reported on the ongoing investigation into an outbreak of Hepatitis A linked to organic frozen strawberries from Baja California, Mexico. A number of retailers which received product from Willamette Valley Fruit Co. 

• Walmart: Great Value Sliced Strawberries, Great Value Mixed Fruit, and Great Value Antioxidant Blend distributed to select Walmart stores in AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV, and WY from January 24, 2023, to June 8, 2023.
• Costco Wholesale Stores: Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend distributed to Costco Wholesale stores in CO, TX, CA, and AZ from October 3, 2022, and June 8, 2023.
• HEB: Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio distributed to HEB stores in Texas

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023

Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections: Frozen Strawberries (February 2023)
Additional recalls for products sold at Walmart, Costco, and HEB. Do not eat recalled Frozen Organic Strawberries. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 9
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: April 12, 2023
States with Cases: WA (6), CA (2), OR (1)
Product Distribution: Nationwide

FDA Warning Letter Highlights Importance of Assuring Foreign Material Control for Imported Food

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Yichang Jiayuan Foodstuffs Co., Ltd of Hubei, China, a packer of ready-to-eat (RTE) Mandarin Oranges in light syrup in glass jars.  The inspection found that in the company's "hazard analysis for mandarin orange in syrup products identified the physical hazard of glass chips, but [then] determined that this hazard does not require a preventive control."

The FDA report stated "Glass fragments can be introduced into food whenever processing involves the use of glass containers. Normal handling and packaging methods, especially mechanized methods, can result in breakage. Ingesting glass fragments can cause injury to the consumer. In particular, your (b)(4). You did not investigate the root cause or evaluate other potentially affected products as a result of this rejection. The subject lot was shipped to the U.S."

During the inspection, FDA noted, "we noted deficiencies regarding your control of the glass hazard using your (b)(4) machine procedures. Specifically, on September 26, 2022, the first day of the inspection, your (b)(4) machine ((b)(4)) failed to reject a sample container of your RTE Mandarin Orange in light syrup in a glass jar which contained glass fragments for the purpose of demonstrating a challenge test for your (b)(4) machine. Your firm placed glass fragments into two (b)(4) oz. glass jars of mandarin oranges in light syrup to demonstrate the working conditions of your (b)(4) machine. However, your (b)(4) machine failed to reject one of the two jars. Your employees proceeded to alter settings on your firm’s machine until the machine rejected both sample jars of product. Your Corporate Quality Assurance Director also stated that your (b)(4) machine ((b)(4)) had never been calibrated previous to this. This indicates that your (b)(4) machine procedures did not control the hazard of glass contamination."

As part of the Foreign Supplier Verification Program, the FSVP importer must conduct a hazard analysis as well, and as part of this, would also need to recognize glass as a potential hazard to be controlled by the supplier.  With that recognition as a hazard requiring control, the FSVP importer would need to establish verification activities to ensure the supplier was indeed controlling the hazard.

FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/yichang-jiayuan-foodstuffs-co-ltd-655593-05052023

Yichang Jiayuan Foodstuffs Co., Ltd
MARCS-CMS 655593 — MAY 05, 2023

Ohio Establishment Recalling RTE Chili Topping Due to Undeclared Soy

J.T.M. Provisions Company, a Harrison, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 200 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chili topping product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product labeled as chili topping may actually contain beef taco filling, which contains soy, a known allergen, that is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when the producing establishment notified FSIS that it had received a consumer complaint that bags labeled as homestyle chili topping contained beef taco filling.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/j-t-m--provisions-company-recalls-ready-eat-homestyle-chili-topping-product-due
J.T.M. Provisions Company Recalls Ready-To-Eat Homestyle Chili Topping Product Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
J.T.M. PROVISIONS COMPANY

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2023 – J.T.M. Provisions Company, a Harrison, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 200 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chili topping product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product labeled as chili topping may actually contain beef taco filling, which contains soy, a known allergen, that is not declared on the product label.

Ohio Establishment Recalls RTE Beef Chili for Extraneous Material - White Plastic

J.T.M. Provisions Company, a Harrison, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 22,530 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat beef chili with beans products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically white plastic.  The problem was discovered after the company received a customer complaint about semi-rigid white plastic material found in the frozen, ready-to-eat beef chili with beans and notified FSIS.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/j-t-m--provisions-company-recalls-frozen-ready-eat-beef-chili-products-due-possible
J.T.M. Provisions Company Recalls Frozen Ready-To-Eat Beef Chili Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
J T M PROVISIONS COMPANY
FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2023 – J.T.M. Provisions Company, a Harrison, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 22,530 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat beef chili with beans products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically white plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Imported Pork Rinds Recalled After Discovery of Guatemalan Origin, A USDA Non-eligible Country

DEKA Trading Corp., the importer of record located in Miami, Fla., is recalling approximately 13,771 pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork rind products. The products were imported from Guatemala, a country ineligible to export meat products to the United States.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance activities. Guatemala is not eligible to import meat products into the United States.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/deka-trading-corp--recalls-ineligible-ready-eat-pork-rind-products-imported
DEKA Trading Corp. Recalls Ineligible Ready-To-Eat Pork Rind Products Imported from Guatemala

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2023 – DEKA Trading Corp., the importer of record located in Miami, Fla., is recalling approximately 13,771 pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork rind products. The products were imported from Guatemala, a country ineligible to export meat products to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

MA Cheese Company Expands Recall to Additional Product That Was Underprocessed

Cricket Creek Farm of Williamstown, MA is expanding their May 30th recall of Sophelise and Tobasi cheeses due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes to include one lot of Berkshire Bloom cheese because pasteurization records did not illustrate the heating element reached required temperature.

From the announcement...."One hospitalization due to Listeria monocytogenes has been reported to date associated with the Sophelise cheese. Following this customer notification of illness, products purchased by this individual were tested by Biotrax Testing Laboratory and the current batch of Sophelise cheese was determined to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes. These three batches of Tobasi cheese were also determined to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes . The production record for the Berkshire Bloom cheese did not illustrate fully compliant temperatures for the heating element."

It seems to me with the level of Listeria positive samples, all cheese products should be recalled.  While this recall was expanded to a lot that may have not received adequate process, there would be a post-process environmental contamination issue that would affect all cheese processed.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cricket-creek-farm-expands-recall-cheeses-because-potential-listeria-monocytogenes-contamination-and
Cricket Creek Farm Expands Recall of Cheeses Because of Potential Listeria monocytogenes Contamination and Inadequate Pasteurization
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 12, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  June 12, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Company Name:  Cricket Creek Farm, LLC
Brand Name:  Cricket Creek Farm
Product Description:  Sophelise, Tobasi, and Berkshire Bloom Cheeses