FDA Releases Report on Sampling of Fresh Herbs for Pathogens

The FDA released their report for the "Microbiological Surveillance Sampling: FY17-21 Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Basil & Parsley) Assignment". In this project, FDA completed its collection and testing in September 2021, having obtained 1,383 samples in all.  "The samples collected were tested for Cyclospora cayetanensis, Salmonella spp., and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The assignment aimed to estimate the prevalence of these pathogens in the three types of fresh herbs and to take follow-up actions in the case of pathogen findings, as warranted. The agency also sought to identify common factors, such as origin, among the pathogens’ findings."

 The results can be found here - https://www.fda.gov/food/sampling-protect-food-supply/microbiological-surveillance-sampling-fy17-21-fresh-herbs-cilantro-basil-parsley-assignment

Cyclospora cayetanensis Findings

• C. cayetanensis in 11 of the 120 basil samples, 7 of the 553 cilantro samples, and none of the 139 parsley samples, an estimated prevalence of 9.2% for basil, 1.3% for cilantro, and 0% for parsley.
• The agency detected C. cayetanensis in 18 samples out of 812 domestic and imported samples collected and tested

Salmonella spp. Findings

• Salmonella spp. in 7 of the 248 basil samples, 8 of the 849 cilantro samples, and 2 of the 261 parsley samples, an estimated prevalence of 2.8% for basil, 0.9% for cilantro, and 0.8% for parsley.
• The FDA detected Salmonella spp. in 17 samples out of 1,358 domestic and imported samples collected and tested.

STEC Findings

• The FDA detected STEC in none of the 242 basil samples, 1 in 849 cilantro samples, and none of the 259 parsley samples, an estimated prevalence of 0% for basil, 0.1% for cilantro, 0% for parsley.
• The agency detected STEC in one (1) domestic sample out of 1,350 samples collected and tested.

Actions Taken

• As to the domestic samples that tested positive for a target pathogen, the agency worked with each firm that owned or distributed the adulterated herbs to effect four voluntary product recalls.
• With respect to the import samples that tested positive for a target pathogen, the FDA refused to admit 20 shipments associated with positive findings into the U.S. and placed the responsible firms and product on Import Alert 99-23 and/or Import Alert 99-35, thereby requiring additional controls for future entries.

https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-releases-summary-report-fresh-herbs-sampling-assignment
FDA Releases Summary Report on Fresh Herbs Sampling Assignment
Constituent Update
July 26, 2024

FDA Release Webpage on Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Foods

There has been increasing news on microplastics and nanoplastics in our food supply.  FDA published a webpage to share their current thinking on the topic. 

Here are some of the items of note:

• Plastics "originate when then break down from weathering in the environment over time into small particles called microplastics and nanoplastics."
• Environment a more important source than migration from food packaging - "Microplastics and nanoplastics may be present in food, primarily from environmental contamination where foods are grown or raised. There is not sufficient scientific evidence to show that microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic food packaging migrate into foods and beverages."
• No demonstrated impact on health  - "While many studies have reported the presence of microplastics in several foods, including salt, seafood, sugar, beer, bottled water, honey, milk, and tea, current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that the levels of microplastics or nanoplastics detected in foods pose a risk to human health".
• More research is needed - "While there are many studies on microplastics in food, the current state of science is limited in its ability to inform regulatory risk assessment. This is due to several factors, including a continued lack of standardized definitions, reference materials, sample collection and preparation procedures, and appropriate quality controls, to name a few. There have been fewer studies on nanoplastics because available scientific measurement methods are not very reliable at detecting polymer particles with such small sizes."

https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/microplastics-and-nanoplastics-foods
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Foods

Key Points:

• Some evidence suggests that microplastics and nanoplastics are entering the food supply, primarily through the environment.
• Current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that levels of microplastics or nanoplastics detected in foods pose a risk to human health.
• The FDA continues to monitor the research on microplastics and nanoplastics in foods and is taking steps to advance the science and ensure our food remains safe.

Virginia Establishment Recalls Deli Meat After Found Positive for Listeria

Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is recalling all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The company is also recalling additional deli meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst and, therefore, may be adulterated with L. monocytogenes. The company is recalling approximately 207,528 pounds of products.

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that a sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for L. monocytogenes. The Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, collected an unopened liverwurst product from a retail store for testing as part of an outbreak investigation of L. monocytogenes infections. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product sample is related to the outbreak.

This is part of a investigation into a multistate outbreak of L. monocytogenes infections linked to meats sliced at delis. As of July 25, 2024, 34 sick people have been identified in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co--recalls-ready-eat-liverwurst-and-other-deli-meat-products
Boar's Head Provisions Co. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2024 – Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is recalling all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The company is also recalling additional deli meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst and, therefore, may be adulterated with L. monocytogenes. The company is recalling approximately 207,528 pounds of products.

KY Cheese Processor Recalls Cheese After State Testing Finds Listeria in One Lot

Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese of Austin, Ky is recalling St. Jerome cheese, batch 231129, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Kentucky Department of Public Health revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a package of St. Jerome batch 231129.   No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recalled lot.

In cases such as this, we can expect that an investigation will be conducted to determine the source of contamination and the level of control within the facility.  In many cases, these recalls are expanded beyond the one lot initially recalled when  it is determined that sufficient controls were not in place.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kennys-farmhouse-cheese-recalls-st-jerome-cheese-lot-231129-because-possible-health-risk
Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese Recalls St. Jerome Cheese Lot: 231129 Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 24, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  July 24, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese
Brand Name:  Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese
Product Description:  St. Jerome cheese

Ohio Distributor Expands Recall of Produce Items for Listeria

Wiers Farm Inc. of Willard, OH, is expanding its July 12, 2024, recall to include additional produce because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Wiers Farm Inc., in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), began its investigation in response to original findings reported by the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDARD). This expansion is in response to that investigation. Products involved in this expanded recall were packed between July 5-12 (2024).

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wiers-farm-inc-expands-voluntary-recall-whole-and-salad-cucumbers-due-possible-contamination
Wiers Farm, Inc Expands Voluntary Recall on Whole and Salad Cucumbers Due to Possible Contamination with Listeria
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 22, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  July 23, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Vegetable Products
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Wiers Farm, Inc.
Brand Name:  Wiers Farm, Freshire Farms
Product Description:  Vegetables and Bagged Salads
Company Announcement  

CA Company Recalls Walnuts After Testing Finds Listeria

Stutz Packing Company of Indio, CA is voluntarily recalling it’s 1-pound packages of Shelled Walnuts, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recall was the result of routine sampling which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria.

These Walnuts were distributed to food bank warehouses in Texas and Arizona which further distribute to other distribution centers that can go to consumers, or smaller foods banks, school lunch programs, shelters, or prison food systems.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/stutz-packing-co-recalls-walnut-product-because-possible-health-risk
Stutz Packing Co. Recalls Walnut Product Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 19, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  July 22, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Tree Nuts  
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Stutz Packing Company
Brand Name:  Stutz Packing Company
Product Description:  Shelled Walnuts

FDA Issues Warning Letter to SC Processor for Continued Listeria Presence

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Discover Fresh Foods, LLC of Greenville, SC, a manufacturer of refrigerated ready-to-eat (RTE) dips and spreads.  This issue is that the company had a ongoing contamination issue of the same Listeria strain.

According to the report, FDA laboratory analysis of environmental sample #1242488 collected on December 13, 2023, found that three (3) out of the 99 total environmental swabs were positive for L. monocytogenes. The positive swabs were recovered from non-food-contact surfaces in Production Room (b)(4), and (b)(4)) during the production of Taste of the South Fried Pickle Dip, and the underside of the top level of the red cart in (b)(4). FDA laboratory analysis of sample #1242488 also found three (3) out of the 99 swabs were positive for Listeria innocua (L. innocua). These swabs were obtained from the (b)(4) transfer pump bottom frame, trash bin wheel, and bottom of sanitation squeegee.

The same organism had been found in the 

• three (3) L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from FDA environmental sample 124288 in 2023;
• four (4) L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from USDA FSIS environmental samples in 2023;
• one (1) L. monocytogenes isolate obtained from Buffalo Style Chicken Dip collected by USDA FSIS in 2023;
• two (2) L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from USDA FSIS environmental samples in 2018;
• one (1) L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from Buffalo Style Chicken Dip collected by USDA FSIS in 2018; and
• one (1) L. monocytogenes isolate obtained from Chipotle Chicken Salad collected by FDACS in 2017.

Based on these results of the WGS analysis, the twelve (12) isolates represent a single strain of L. monocytogenes. The presence of the same strain of L. monocytogenes over multiple years indicates that there has been a resident pathogen in the facility since at least November 2017. 

Then in 2024, additional sampling by USDA found Listeria.  "USDA FSIS notified FDA L. monocytogenes was detected in two (2) additional environmental swabs collected from non-food-contact surfaces (e.g., cart wheels) at [the] facility".  The company got rid of a chopper that they felt was the source, however, is the issue resolved?   When contamination becomes then endemic within a facility, it can now be very wide spread, locating in numerous niches.

It is surprising that USDA was not more aggressive, and for that matter, the company was not more aggressive in solving this issue.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/discover-fresh-foods-llc-677021-06262024
Discover Fresh Foods, LLC
MARCS-CMS 677021 — JUNE 26, 2024

KY Establishment Recalls Hot Dog Products Produced Without USDA Inspection

AW Farms, an Argillite, Ky., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,900 pounds of hot dog products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection,  The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by a state public health partner about these products. FSIS investigated and determined that the hot dog products were produced and distributed without the benefit of federal inspection.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/aw-farms-recalls-ready-eat-hot-dog-products-produced-without-benefit-inspection
AW Farms Recalls Ready-To-Eat Hot Dog Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2024 – AW Farms, an Argillite, Ky., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,900 pounds of hot dog products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Oregon Firm Recalls Sausage Products Due to Undeclared Soy

Taylor's Sausage, Inc., a Cave Junction, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 74 pounds of ready-to-eat Landjaeger sausage products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.  The product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS in-plant verification activities when FSIS personnel observed that soy, a known allergen, was being used as an ingredient and was not declared on the finished product label.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/taylors-sausage-inc--recalls-ready-eat-landjaeger-sausage-products-due-misbranding
Taylor's Sausage, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Landjaeger Sausage Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2024 - Taylor's Sausage, Inc., a Cave Junction, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 74 pounds of ready-to-eat Landjaeger sausage products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.