FDA Issues Health Warning About Oysters from Canada That Have Been Linked to Campylobacter Outbreak

The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of oysters and consumers not to eat oysters from Pacific Oyster Fanny Bay, harvested on 11/08/2023 from harvest area BC 14- 8 with Landfile # 1402294 and Oyster Malaspina Live, harvested on 11/09/2023 from harvest area BC 14-8 with Landfile # 278761 and shipped to distributors in Utah and Wisconsin because they may be contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni.

"On 12/18/2023, the Utah Shellfish Authority notified the FDA of two cases of Campylobacter connected to consumption of oysters from British Columbia, Canada. The FDA has notified the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) of the illnesses and the CFIA is investigating. The two cases consumed oysters in Utah and Wisconsin and the FDA is coordinating with the CFIA and state authorities to determine if any additional distribution occurred.

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurants-and-retailers-not-serve-or-sell-and-consumers-not-eat-certain-oysters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Certain Oysters from British Columbia, Canada Potentially Contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni

NC Issues Recalls for Kitten and Puppy Food After State Lab Detects Salmonella / Listeria

Blue Ridge Beef is recalling all lot numbers and used by dates between N24 1124 to N24 1224 of their 2 lb log of Kitten Grind UPC 8 54298 00101 6; 2lb log of Kitten Mix UPC 8 54298 00143 6 and their 2lb log of Puppy Mix UPC 8 54298 00169 6 due to contamination of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

On 12/15/2023 the firm was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that one lot of each of the products were sampled and tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. However, out of an abundance of caution the firm is recalling all lots with the used by dates between N24 1124 to N24 1224.

In October, this firm issued a recall for dog food due to Salmonella contamination.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-ridge-beef-issues-voluntary-recall-blue-ridge-beef-kitten-grind-blue-ridge-kitten-mix-and-blue
Blue Ridge Beef Issues Voluntary Recall of Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Grind, Blue Ridge Kitten Mix and Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix Due to Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 21, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  December 21, 2023
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary
Reason for Announcement:  Potential contamination of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Blue Ridge Beef
Brand Name:  Blue Ridge Beef
Product Description:  Kitten Grind, Kitten Mix, and Puppy Mix

Update on Lead in Cinnamon Apple Sauce, Now Over 200 Reported Cases and A Concern for Those Impacted Children

CDC reports that there are 205 reported reports of adverse events linked to the lead-contaminated cinnamon apple sauce.  Initially reported in late October along with the issuance of associated product, the investigation continues.  Cinnamon samples from the facility show an extremely high level of lead in the product.

"FDA’s onsite inspection of the Austrofoods facility in Ecuador has ended. However, the FDA investigation of the elevated lead levels in recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches continues. During the inspection, investigators collected samples of cinnamon supplied by Negasmart to Austrofoods. These samples have undergone analysis and results show extremely high levels of lead contamination, 5110 parts per million (ppm) and 2270 ppm. For context, the international standard-setting body, Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex)External Link Disclaimer is considering adopting a maximum level of 2.5 ppm for lead in bark spices, including cinnamon, in 2024."

CDC has received the following reports from state and local health departments:

• Total Cases: 205
• Confirmed Cases: 67
• Probable Cases: 122
• Suspect Cases: 16
• States: (33 total) AL, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV
• Recall: Yes

A concern for those children who consumed that product.  "Tests show victims had blood lead readings up to eight times higher than the federal reference level of concern, health officials said. Samples of the puree showed lead contamination more than 200 times higher than the FDA allows."  Children will need to be monitored for long term impact.

This contamination issue, according to FDA, is likely due to adulteration.  "Spices such as turmeric, cinnamon and paprika have been known to be mixed with lead chromate or lead oxide, compounds that mirror the spices' colors, said Karen Everstine, technical director for FoodchainID, a company that tracks food supply chains."  “The intent is not to make people sick. Nobody wants to do that because then they get caught,” Everstine said. “What they want to do is make money.”

The import of this product does fall under regulation.  The foreign company manufacturing the product would be operating under Preventive Controls for Human Foods, and the importer would have to comply with the Foreign Supplier Verification program.  Most of this however, focuses on known hazards.  Intentional adulteration can be more difficult to control, especially when it occurs at a foreign manufacturer using an ingredient from a foreign source that does not enter the US.


Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (November 2023)
Do not eat, sell, or serve multiple brands of recalled apple cinnamon fruit pouches. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Content current as of: 12/19/2023
Current Update
December 19, 2023

Chocolate Bars Recalled for Undeclared Coconut Due to Packaging Error

Astor Chocolate Corporation of Lakewood, New Jersey is recalling 1,092 Burnt Caramel Candy Bars, because it may contain undeclared coconut.   The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the coconut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of coconut.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/astor-chocolate-corporation-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-coconut-burnt-caramel-bars
Astor Chocolate Corporation Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Coconut in Burnt Caramel Bars
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 21, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  December 21, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Allergen – Undeclared Coconut
Company Name:  Astor Chocolate Corporation
Brand Name:  Chocew
Product Description:  Burnt Caramel Candy Bars

Food Science Trends for 2024

IFT (Institute of Food Technologist) provided a post on trends for 2024.  They identified four.  In summary:

Food systems approaches: Farm to Fork strategy - the interconnectedness of the food supply with a focus on sustainability and reduction of food waste.

Food as Medicine: The Food as Medicine movement - As research continues, there will be more discussion on the impact of food on health.  I think the CBD movement will also come more into focus as more research comes out.

Food safety: Ongoing, visible food safety concerns - The big focus here will be on micro-chemicals in the food supply

Artificial intelligence - There will be positives such as using AI to optimize the supply chain provide new discoveries and there will be negatives - like robots doing my job...just kidding, kind of.

What do you think?

One challenge that I would add is the ongoing impact of a turbulent economy on prices, wages, employment shortages, and imbalances in supply and demand.  

https://www.ift.org/news-and-publications/blog/2023/ifts-science-and-policy-team-identifies-four-trends-for-2024
IFT's Science and Policy Team Identifies Four Trends for 2024

From rapid changes ushered in by artificial intelligence to the emergence of stronger policies linking medicine and nutrition, our experts pinpoint next year's top science of food trends.

As we look ahead to 2024, IFT’s Science and Policy team has forecasted four major science of food trends to watch for. On the horizon are the influence of Farm to Fork strategy on global food system dialogue, a growing Food as Medicine movement, ongoing improvements to the food safety landscape, and advancements in artificial intelligence. As always, creative food science solutions will be essential in delivering safe, nutritious, and sustainable foods, and we expect the science of food community to continue to play a leading role in tackling the challenges ahead. Read on for the most need-to-know trends for the coming year.

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Manufacturers / Distributors of Veterinary Products with Antimicrobials for Aquarium Fish

FDA issued a number of Warning Letters to companies that manufacture and/or distribute antimicrobial chemicals for treatment of aquarium fish.  And birds.  Wow, in an age where we are concerned about the overuse of antimicrobials, here is a whole sector where there is little control.

Drugs were not tested for use - These products are new animal drugs under section 201(v) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. § 321(v)] because they are for use in nonfood-producing fish, which are minor species and are not the subject of a final FDA regulation finding either that the drugs are generally recognized among experts qualified by scientific training and experience to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of animal drugs, as safe and effective for use under the conditions prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the drug’s labeling, or finding that the exception to the criterion in section 201(v)(1) of the FD&C Act has been met.

Companies are basically selling antibiotics over-the-counter - FDA is particularly concerned about your unapproved animal drugs because they raise public health concerns. Available as over-the-counter drugs, they contain antimicrobials that are considered medically important in the treatment of human disease.1 Concern about the development of resistance to antimicrobials important in human medicine has led FDA to promote more judicious use of animal drugs containing medically important antimicrobials, including working toward ensuring that these drugs can be used in animals only under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Gift Baskets Utilizing Suspect Granola Bars Are Recalled

Wine Country Gift Baskets / Houdini Inc. of Fullerton, CA is taking precautionary measures of voluntarily recalling all gift baskets produced with Quaker Chewy Granola bars due to a recall by the Quaker Oats company because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/houdini-inc-recalls-gift-baskets-quaker-oats-chewy-granola-bars-because-possible-health-risk
Houdini, Inc. Recalls Gift Baskets with Quaker Oats Chewy Granola Bars Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 19, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  December 19, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Houdini, Inc.
Brand Name:  Wine Country Gift Baskets
Product Description:  Gift Baskets with Quaker Chewy Granola Bars

WI Company Recalls Raspberry Pastry Product for Undeclared Pecans

Racine Danish Kringles of Racine, Wisconsin is recalling 960 units of Raspberry Kringle 14oz with lot code 23299 sold in select ALDI retail stores because the item may contain undeclared pecans.  The recall was initiated when a customer discovered that a Raspberry Kringle containing pecans was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of pecans.  No illnesses have been reported to date.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rdk-corp-dba-racine-danish-kringles-issues-allergy-alert-potential-undeclared-pecans-14oz-raspberry
RDK Corp (DBA Racine Danish Kringles) Issues Allergy Alert on Potential for Undeclared Pecans in 14oz Raspberry Kringle
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 19, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  December 19, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Allergen - Pecans
Company Name:  RDK Corp
Brand Name:  Racine Danish Kringles
Product Description:  Raspberry Kringle Danish

Ark Establishment Recalls Boneless Chicken Bites After USDA-FSIS Received Consumer Complaints for Pieces of Hard Plastic

Simmons Prepared Foods Inc., a Van Buren, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 26,550 pounds of TGI Fridays boneless chicken bites products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of clear, hard plastic.  The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that it had received consumer complaints reporting that clear, hard plastic was found under the breading of the boneless chicken bites.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/simmons-prepared-foods-inc--recalls-boneless-chicken-bites-products-due-possible
Simmons Prepared Foods, Inc. Recalls Boneless Chicken Bites Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2023 - Simmons Prepared Foods Inc., a Van Buren, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 26,550 pounds of TGI Fridays boneless chicken bites products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of clear, hard plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.