News on Food - 3/15/24 edition

When perusing through news sources, one comes across interesting (to me, and perhaps you) news items on food that are not food-safety related.  Here are very brief summaries and the  reference links at the bottom. 

• Is cabbage the next vegetable to make it big in restaurants? It seems to be turning up as a favorite for many innovative chefs, similar to what occurred with Brussel sprouts. Just a matter of time before I have my Steak au Poivre with a side of halushki at the newly renovated Nitany Lion Inn.- opening Fall of 2024.

• Is gravy the next ketchup? The folks at KraftHeinz are promoting their gravy as a ketchup type of condiment. There are many who add gravy to their fries, but to your hot dogs?

• Are you chewing gum?  It seems that pandemic was not only a death nail for many restaurants, but also dealt a sever blow to chewing gum. Many stopped chewing because of wearing masks and then never went back, or so the story goes.

• Microplastics have been reported to be everywhere.  But how much?  Hard to know when there is so much inconsistency of microplastic measurements.  "There are notable disparities in the reported numbers of MPs in foods and beverages, warranting a thorough investigation into the factors contributing to these discrepancies".

• The standard of identity was removed for frozen cherry pie.  Being the only frozen pie with a standard of identity, there was push to get rid of it.  However, we already see pies with little fruit in it. Currently, "The standard of quality for frozen cherry pie is as follows:  (i) The fruit content of the pie is such that the weight of the washed and drained cherry content is not less than 25 percent of the weight of the pie when determined by the procedure.

Quite frankly, there should be Standard Identity for all fruit pies with the amount of measurable fruit.  Have you purchased a blueberry pie and wondered where the blueberries are at?
Goes into effect April 15, 2024.  You need to buy some frozen cherry pies now, and then wait a good while and then buy some produced after this date and then do a comparison.

• A news story on pizza trends that was total crap.  It comes via a software company called Otter - "In celebration of Pi Day, the team at Otter dug into the 1 billion+ orders they’ve processed to discover pizzeria and pizza chain trends"  Anyhow, they ranked Pennsylvania as having one of the lowest rated pizza.. Their rating: "The states with the top rated pizzerias are: New Hampshire, Maine, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Oklahoma"  Are you kidding me?  What a joke.

• Impossible foods, the maker of artificial meat products is changing their packaging to dark red color to give the impression of blood in an attempt to attract more meat lovers.

• Pizza-flavored beer?  "The Nestlé-owned brand is teaming up with IPA brewer, Voodoo Ranger, on a pizza-flavored beer called I(Pizza)A. The brew is described as “the ultimate blend of a Tombstone crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and savory herbs and spices.” It also reportedly features a finishing pepperoni kick of heat."  I like my beer beer-flavored.

CABBAGE

Robb Report
https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/cabbage-restaurant-trend-1235541546/
How Humble Cabbage Became a Culinary Darling at Fancy Restaurants
The cruciferous vegetable is being upgraded from its humble beginnings.
March 11, 2024
By TORI LATHAM

If you follow the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is the year of the dragon. According to Pantone, it’s the year of peach fuzz. And in the restaurant industry, it’s looking like 2024 will belong to the humble cabbage.

MMWR - 2023 Foodborne Illness Outbreak in Montana Associated with Morel Mushrooms

In this week's MMWR, the investigation report on an foodborne illness outbreak associated with morel mushrooms.  The key here was that morel mushrooms can contain toxins which are reduced through cooking.   These mushrooms were evidently not cooked.  So cook your morel mushrooms.

• During March–April 2023, a total of 51 persons reported mild to severe gastrointestinal illness after eating at restaurant A in Bozeman, Montana. The outbreak resulted in multiple severe outcomes, including three hospitalizations and two deaths. 
• The findings from this investigation suggest that uncooked or undercooked morel mushrooms were the likely source of the outbreak. The epidemiologic study demonstrated a clear association between consumption of the special sushi roll with morels and gastrointestinal illness, including a dose-response relationship, and an apparent stronger association among persons who ate the morels on a day when the morels served by restaurant A were reportedly uncooked. 
• The investigation highlights the importance of prompt cross-agency communication and collaboration, the utility of epidemiologic studies in foodborne disease outbreak investigations, and the need for additional research about the impact of morel mushroom consumption on human health. Although the toxins in morel mushrooms that might cause illness are not fully understood, proper preparation procedures, including thorough cooking, might help to limit adverse health effects.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7310a1.htm

Outbreak Linked to Morel Mushroom Exposure — Montana, 2023
Weekly / March 14, 2024 / 73(10);219–224
Heather Demorest, MPH1; Rachel Hinnenkamp, MPH2; Maggie Cook-Shimanek, MD2; Alyssa N. Troeschel, PhD3; Michael Yeh, MD3; Thao-Phuong Christy Hallett, MD3; David Kuai, MD3; Johnni Daniel, DHSc3; Andrea Winquist, MD, PhD3 (VIEW AUTHOR AFFILIATIONS)

Summary
What is already known about this topic?
Although morel mushrooms are generally considered edible, rare cases of illness have been reported after consumption; little is known about the human health effects of morels. During March–April 2023, a total of 51 persons reported gastrointestinal illness after dining at a Montana restaurant; two patients died.

What is added by this report?
A case-control study identified morel mushrooms as the likely outbreak source. Consumption of raw morels was more strongly associated with illness than was consumption of cooked or partially cooked morels.

What are the implications for public health practice?
This outbreak investigation highlights the importance of prompt cross-agency communication, collaboration, and the use of epidemiologic studies to guide outbreak investigations. Morel mushrooms should be cooked before eating to mitigate potential toxic effects.

CA Establishment Recalls Salad Bowl Products Due to Undeclared Wheat

Taylor Farms Pacific, a Tracy, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 19,976 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) apple walnut with chicken salad bowl products due to misbranding and undeclared wheat allergen.  The problem was discovered by the establishment during a routine quality assurance check of ingredient labels. The establishment then notified FSIS that the product may contain wheat, which is not declared on the label.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/taylor-farms-pacific-recalls-kroger-brand-ready-eat-apple-walnut-chicken-salad-bowl
Taylor Farms Pacific Recalls Kroger Brand Ready-To-Eat Apple Walnut With Chicken Salad Bowl Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2024 – Taylor Farms Pacific, a Tracy, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 19,976 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) apple walnut with chicken salad bowl products due to misbranding and undeclared wheat allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product may contain wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

Great Value Honey Roasted Cashews Recalled After Consumer Finds Coconut Cashews

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc (JBSS), Elgin, IL, announced today it is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of 8.25 oz Great Value Honey Roasted Cashews, because it may contain undeclared coconut and milk.   The recall was initiated after a consumer report of finding coconut cashews within a container labeled as honey roasted cashews. An investigation identified that a limited number of incorrect honey roasted cashew labels were applied to the plastic cans of coconut cashews during the manufacturing process.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/john-b-sanfilippo-son-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-coconut-and-milk-great-value-honey-roasted
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Coconut and Milk in Great Value Honey Roasted Cashews 8.25 Oz
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 12, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  March 13, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk and coconut allergens
Company Name:  John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.
Brand Name:  Great Value
Product Description:  Honey Roasted Cashews

Parasitic Worms in Man's Brain, Undercooked Pork Blamed

A article posted in a medical journal discusses a man suffering from a parasitic infection in the brain that were causing frequent and severe migraines.  The parasite, Taenia solium, is a tapeworm that normally infects pigs and can infect humans when eating uncooked and undercooked pork.   The worm is more of an issue in developing countries where pigs roam free.

"Consuming T. solium eggs or larvae most often leads to a condition called taeniasis, in which small enclosed sacs, or cysts, of the worm's larvae accumulate in a person's intestines. However, the man in this case developed another condition, called cysticercosis, a version of the infection in which the cysts embed themselves inside a different tissue, such as muscle or the brain. When they embed within the nervous system, the condition is called neurocysticercosis."

Evidently, the patient denied eating raw or street food but admitted to a habit of eating lightly cooked, 
non-crispy bacon for most of his life.

Following prompt treatment with anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory drugs, the man survived the brain infection. He was successfully treated with drugs that reduced the size of the parasitic lesions, which also improved his headaches, the authors wrote in the case report.

https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/parasitic-worms-found-in-mans-brain-after-he-likely-ate-undercooked-bacon
Parasitic worms found in man's brain after he likely ate undercooked bacon
News
By Emily Cooke published March 11, 2024

A middle-aged man in the U.S. developed a parasitic infection in his brain after eating undercooked bacon.

Michigan Firm Recalls No Bake Cookies After Computer Error Causes Formulation Mistake and Adds Undeclared Peanuts

Wesco, Inc. of Muskegon, MI is recalling 750 units of Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites, because it may contain undeclared peanut.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites containing peanut butter were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by incorrect product formulation within the manufacturing facility’s new software system.

Validating software - when new software is installed, it must be thoroughly validated.  Validation should continue through the start of use in production.

Verifying formulations - the strength of a HACCP based system is having double checks in place to ensure product safety.  In this case, a manual check is there to ensure the proper formulation is in place, specifically addressing allergens.  The allergens within the formulation must match what is on the package.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wesco-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-and-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanut-wesco-mint-no-bake-cookie
Wesco, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall and Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut in Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 08, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  March 11, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Peanut Allergen
Company Name:  Wesco, Inc.
Brand Name:  Wesco Fresh
Product Description:  Mint No Bake Cookies
Company Announcement
Wesco, Inc. of Muskegon, MI is recalling 750 units of Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites, because it may contain undeclared peanut. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Firm In Response to the Firm's Nonresponse

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a Michigan firm after the firm failed to respond to FDA's request to provide corrective actions related to a recall the firm had conducted.  The message here, respond to FDA requests.

A summary of the events:

• On September 12, 2023, the firm recalled Knickerbocker Homestyle Hamburger Buns after the firm discovered that the product contained milk, but the printed package did not contain an allergen statement or ingredient declaration for milk. 
• The firm became aware of this undeclared milk after being notified during a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) inspection at the facility on September 12, 2023 of a complaint received by MDARD on September 11, 2023 that indicated a customer had an allergic reaction to milk after consuming the product. 
• In documentation provided to FDA on September 15, 2023, the firm stated that they had reformulated the bun product to include milk powder without changing the packaging to reflect the change. This product had been manufactured on August 31, 2023, and September 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 2023 at the facility with packaging that did not declare milk on the label.
• On September 15, 2023, the firm provided documentation that stated that they had determined the root cause to be “Dough formulation change without changing the packaging to reflect the change.” The proposed action to prevent reoccurrence indicated that there would be no formulation changes without the signatures of the buyers and the owners.
•  On September 18, 2023, FDA sent  the firm an email giving the firm an opportunity to provide FDA additional corrective actions to address the root cause of the undeclared major food allergen involved in your recall; however, the firm did not respond. 
• Conclusion - Knickerbocker Homestyle Hamburger Buns, which contain milk, are misbranded within the meaning of section 403(w) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 343(w)], in that the finished product label fails to declare a major food allergen (milk).

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/knickerbocker-365-inc-673138-01292024

WARNING LETTER
Knickerbocker 365, Inc.

MARCS-CMS 673138 — JANUARY 29, 2024

NC Company Issues Expanded Recall for Single Slice Carrot Cake and Chocolate Cake Due to Undeclared Soy Allergen

KALO Foods, LLC of Stokesdale NC issue an expanded notice for the recall of  Single Slice Carrot Cake UPC 8 53407 00418 4 and Single Slice Chocolate Cake UPC 8 53407 00418 4 due to undeclared soy.   The initial recall on March 5, 2024 was just for the carrot cake.

Although the package is labeled Carrot Cake, but the ingredient panel and UPC Code is for their Chocolate Cake. The Chocolate Cake labeled products contain slices of Carrot Cake. The Carrot Cake contains soy which is not listed in the ingredient statement

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/expanded-press-release-kalo-foods-llc-recalls-single-slice-carrot-cake-and-chocolate-cake-due
Expanded Press Release – Kalo Foods, LLC Recalls Single Slice Carrot Cake and Chocolate Cake Due to Undeclared Soy Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 06, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  March 08, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen - Soy
Company Name:  KALO Foods, LLC
Brand Name:  KALO
Product Description:  Single Slices of Carrot Cake & Chocolate Cake

Washington State Establishment Recalls RTE Breakfast Burritos After Sampling Finds Listeria

Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, an Auburn, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 144 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The problem was discovered after FSIS performed routine product testing and the results indicated the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/jens-breakfast-burritos-llc-recalls-ready-eat-breakfast-burrito-products-due
Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, Recalls Ready to Eat Breakfast Burrito Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2024 - Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, an Auburn, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 144 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.