USDA Withdraws Proposed Rule on Heightened Salmonella Control Standards for Raw Poultry

The USDA is withdrawing a recently proposed policy that had the goal of reducing specific strains of Salmonella in raw poultry products.

(https://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2024/07/usda-proposes-new-policy-for-raw.html)

The proposed policy was set to establish final product standards to prevent raw chicken carcasses, chicken parts, ground chicken, and ground turkey products that contain any type of Salmonella at or above 10 colony forming units (CFU) per gram/ml and any detectable level of at least one of the Salmonella serotypes of public health significance from entering commerce. Salmonella Enteritidis, Typhimurium in chicken and Hadar, Typhimurium, and Muenchen for for raw comminuted turkey.

The current standards are still in place.  And there will always be the need for consumers to practice safe handling and preparation procedures with raw poultry.

https://apnews.com/article/poultry-salmonella-food-poisoning-usda-081dafd3c8a75c3ef2203d260584a893
USDA withdraws a plan to limit salmonella levels in raw poultry
By JONEL ALECCIA

Updated 4:39 PM EDT, April 24, 2025

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The Agriculture Department will not require poultry companies to limit salmonella bacteria in their products, halting a Biden Administration effort to prevent food poisoning from contaminated meat.

NY Importer Recalls Imported Soybean Paste for Undeclared Wheat

May Flower International Inc of Maspeth, NY, is recalling its 8.82-ounce/250g packages of “Beijing Soybean Paste” food treats because they may contain undeclared wheat.   This recall was initiated after the United States Food and Drug Administration discovered during a routine inspection that the product declared flour as an ingredient, but wheat (an allergen) was undeclared.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/may-flower-international-inc-issue-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-beijing-soybean-paste
May Flower International Inc., Issue Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in “Beijing Soybean Paste”
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 11, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  April 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared wheat
Company Name:  May Flower Internation, Inc.
Brand Name:  May Flower International
Product Description:  Soybean Paste

MMWR - 2023 Cyclospora Outbreak with 47 Ill from Imported Cilantro Used at Restaurant

In this week's CDC MMWR, an article about a 2023 outbreak of cyclosporiasis.  "In June 2023, a total of 47 cases of cyclosporiasis were associated with consumption of food from a Mexican-style restaurant in Alabama. Analysis of case-control data identified cilantro as the likely food source. Collaboration among multiple states and their respective agencies enabled successful traceback of cilantro to a source in Mexico."

Interesting items from the article:

• "C. cayetanensis, the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, is resistant to routine chemical disinfection or sanitizing methods, limiting the ability for restaurant operators and food distributors to eliminate risk for contamination through effective sanitation practices (3). Because the restaurant’s environmental assessment report included no substantial findings, contamination likely occurred before arrival at the restaurant."
•  "Through this investigation, a domestic distributor without an identified manufacturing license who sourced produce from an international supplier was discovered, presenting an opportunity for regulatory intervention and education to prevent the future sale and distribution of potentially contaminated product through improper supply channels."

Cyclospora is a single cell parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.  Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting food or water that was contaminated with feces from an infected individual.  Humans are the only known host (unlike other parasites that have other animals hosts).  It is not unlikely, however, to be passed from person-to-person, because it needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement (pooped) to become infectious for another person.

It is seen mainly in tropical or subtropical regions of the world but makes its way into the United States, via contaminated food, primarily imported fresh produce, or from people who travel to these areas.  The symptoms take about a week to show up, and it is in the form of watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. (Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted.) Some people who are infected can be asymptomatic (no symptoms).

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7413a1.htm
Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis Among Patrons of a Mexican-Style Restaurant — Limestone County, Alabama, May–June 2023
Weekly / April 17, 2025 / 74(13);217–221
Justine Goetzman, MPH1; Adyneshia Carter, MPH1; Ana Oliveira, DrPH1; L. Amanda Ingram, MPH1 

In Memoriam - Dr. Steven Goodfellow

Dr. Steve Goodfellow passed away this past week at the age of 83. He was an incredible food microbiologist, having a huge impact on the industry. He was also a remarkable person with a huge presence.

His work in the area of applied microbiology has been truly impactful. His research achievements include the development of USDA Appendix A and B as well as contribution to the development of cooking temperatures established in the Food Code and the Nut Processing Guidelines.  His work was always on the leading edge such as exploring the increased heat resistance of Salmonella in low water activity products such as flour. I worked for Steve nearly 30 years ago, and his understanding at that time on topics such as Listeria survival and control in food processing plants or E. coli contamination of beef continues to be remarkably pertinent today.

As a highly valued consultant, most of his work is only known to those companies and employees who needed his help. Think Winston Wolf in Pulp Fiction....rolls in, lays out the plan to solve the problem, and then executes that plan. During my time with him, it was a continuous flow of company sponsored research projects, troubleshooting, and training. Whether it was identifying and eliminating the source of Listeria in various plants to prevent those plants from being shut down, conducting research on TPP carcass washes, or working with companies developing new products, he was the ultimate fixer.

As for his character Steve was one of a kind, truly a force of nature. I'd say a mixture of Johnny Cash, Humphrey Bogart (cool factor) and Jack Nicholson (edgy). He was outspoken, direct to the point, and never backed down, especially when he knew he was right which he usually was. He was a wonderful boss and mentor. I have continued to draw upon all that I learned from him.

 

(Early 1990s IFT Annual Conference, Steve and I with Bill Brown in the background)

North Carolina Raw Pet Food Company Issues Another Recall for Pathogens After Complaint of Animal Illness and Positive Confirmation Testing

Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 1,080 lbs. of their 2 lb logs of Kitten Mix Lot # N26 0114 and 1,380 lbs of their 2 lb logs of Puppy Mix Lot # N25 1230 (Lot numbers are stamped in the clips on the end of the chubs/bags) due to contamination with Salmonella and Listeria.  Due to a customer complaint of animal illness, samples of the products were collected on 3/20/25 by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. On 04/01/25, the firm was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture that the products tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria.

The products were distributed between January 3, 2025 to January 24, 2025. The product is packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores located in the states of: Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York State, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Wisconsin. 

Blue Ridge product was last recalled on February 3, 2025, but has a long history of recalled product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-ridge-beef-issues-voluntary-recall-blue-ridge-beef-puppy-mix-and-kitten-mix-due-salmonella
Blue Ridge Beef Issues Voluntary Recall of Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix and Kitten Mix Due to Salmonella & Listeria Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 11, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  April 11, 2025
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:   Salmonella & Listeria contamination.
Company Name:  Blue Ridge Beef
Brand Name:  Blue Ridge Beef
Product Description:  Puppy Mix and Kitten Mix

Various Soups and Bowl Products Recalled After Potential Wood Issue Identified in Cilantro Ingredient

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various soup and bowl products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically wood, in an FDA-regulated ingredient, cilantro.   The problem was discovered when an FSIS establishment notified FSIS that an FDA-regulated ingredient was recalled for foreign material.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-various-soup-bowl-products-due-possible-extraneous
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Various Soup & Bowl Products Due to Possible Extraneous Material Contamination

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various soup and bowl products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically wood, in an FDA-regulated ingredient, cilantro.

Vermont Firm Recalls Cheese with High Coliform Levels

Agri-Mark, Inc of Waitsfield, VT is recalling a single lot of Cabot Creamery 8oz Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted due to finished product testing revealing an elevated level of coliform bacteria. The FDA has classified this event as a Class III recall reserved for products that are not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

 Only a small amount —17 retail packages (8.5 lbs.) — was sold to consumers in Vermont.

Coliforms are a broad group of organisms that are used as indicators of unsanitary conditions.  Food operations set limits on how much can be there, if any, in a food product.  In this case, the level was higher indicating a potential issue in processing.

https://cabotcreamery.com/blogs/community/agri-mark-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-of-cabot-8oz-extra-creamy-premium-butter-sea-salted
Agri-Mark, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall - Premium Butter
April 9, 2025 – Waitsfield, Vt.

Based on our commitment to quality products and food safety, Agri-Mark conducted a voluntary recall of a single lot of Cabot Creamery 8oz Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted due to finished product testing revealing an elevated level of coliform bacteria. The FDA has classified this event as a Class III recall reserved for products that are not likely to cause adverse health consequences. There have been no reported complaints or illnesses related to this product.

California Firm Recalls Bags of Celery Sticks After State Testing Finds Listeria

Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. of Oxnard, Calif. is voluntarily issuing a precautionary advisory of a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat 4 in/1.6oz Marketside Celery Sticks with best if used by date 03/23/2025.   This advisory is being initiated due to the possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by the Georgia Department of Agriculture from a Georgia store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result.

This product is past its best if used by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/duda-farm-fresh-foods-inc-issues-advisory-1587-cases-4-in16-oz-bundle-marketside-celery-sticks
Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. Issues Advisory for 1,587 Cases of 4 in/1.6 oz Bundle Marketside Celery Sticks Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 10, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  April 10, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Produce
Reason for Announcement:  Due to possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Company Name:  Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Marketside
Product Description:  Celery Sticks

Illinois Establishment Recalls Cheese Brats Due to Foreign Material - Hard Plastic

Johnsonville, LLC, a Momence, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 22,672 pounds of cheddar bratwurst product that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically hard plastic.  The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it had received two consumer complaints reporting hard plastic material found in the bratwurst product.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/johnsonville-llc-recalls-cheddar-bratwurst-product-due-possible-foreign-matter
Johnsonville, LLC, Recalls Cheddar Bratwurst Product Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Momence Real Estate

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2025 – Johnsonville, LLC, a Momence, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 22,672 pounds of cheddar bratwurst product that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically hard plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.