Oklahoma Flour Mill Recalls 5lb Bags of Flour Due to Undeclared Milk and Egg

Shawnee Milling Company of Shawnee, Oklahoma is recalling 5 lb.Food Club brand All Purpose Flour with Best if Used by date 03/07/2025, because it may contain undeclared milk and egg.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered by the firm that an equipment breakdown during production could have allowed allergen cross-contact.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/shawnee-milling-company-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-and-egg-5lb-food-club-all-purpose-flour
Shawnee Milling Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Egg in “5lb. Food Club All Purpose Flour”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 28, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  March 29, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk and eggs
Company Name:  Shawnee Milling Company
Brand Name:  Food Club
Product Description:  All Purpose Flour

CA Processor of Fresh Noodle Product Issued Warning Letter for Everything...Close to Everything

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Lucky K.T. Co., Inc of El Monte, CA a processor of Fresh Rice Noodle and Rice Stick Noodle food product.

It is a huge Warning Letter, so in quick summary:

• Did not have a food safety plan with the required elements for any of the products manufactured at the  facility.
• Did not have proper controls in place for a cooked RTE product (w/pH > 4.6 and Aw close to 0.99) that could potentially support the growth of sporeforming pathogens such as B. cereus and C.botulinum.  Specifically time/temperature controls.
• Did not develop and implement controls for allergens or mycotoxins.
• A huge list of GMP violations were noted.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/lucky-kt-co-inc-659663-01262024
WARNING LETTER

Lucky K.T. Co., Inc.
MARCS-CMS 659663 — JANUARY 26, 2024

NC Firm Recalls Spice Mixes Due to Undeclared Wheat

Vesta Fiery Gourmet Foods, Inc., of Raleigh, NC - JANUARY 8, 2024, is voluntarily recalling various  spice mixes because these products contain undeclared wheat. On 1/4/24 the firm was notified by the North Carolina Depart of Agriculture and Consumer Services that the label does not state the flour used is a wheat flour.  These products were packaged in glass jars and sold primarily online, in retail stores & deli cases located throughout the United States. Images of the products are below.

This would be a label design failure.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vesta-fiery-gourmet-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-15oz-glass-jars-benny-ts-vesta-dry
Vesta Fiery Gourmet Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in 1.5oz Glass Jars of Benny T’s Vesta Dry Hot Sauces
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 08, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  January 09, 2024
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Gravy/Sauces
Reason for Announcement:  Due to Undeclared Wheat
Company Name:  Vesta Fiery Gourmet Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Benny T’s
Product Description:  Benny T’s Vesta Dry Hot Sauces

Two Food Importers Cited for Not Having FSVP

Two food importers were issued Warning Letters for non-compliance with Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP). Like many of the other importers who are sighted, these two importers did not have a program in place. As you know, the FSVP requires that companies conduct a hazard analysis for the products they import and then verify controls are in place for any identified significant hazard controlled by the foreign company.

Kyawkhin Inc., Fort Wayne, IN, did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP, as required by section 805 of the FD &C Act and 21 CFR 1.502(a). Specifically, you did not develop an FSVP for any foods that you import, including the following foods:

• Balachong fried chili paste imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
• Peanut snack imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
• Cypro tone beverage base imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/kyawkhin-inc-666164-09202023

Distribuidora Jocorena Inc. Deer Park, NY did not develop an FSVP for any of the foods that you import, including the following foods:

• Pinole (corn flour) imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
• Frozen corn tamale imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
• Dry red beans (kidney beans) imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/distribuidora-jocorena-inc-669434-11302023

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Noodle Company

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Wan-Gee Foods of St. Louis MO. The company manufacturers not-ready-to-eat noodle products (i.e., wonton wrappers, egg roll wrappers, and noodles) .

Hazard Analysis and Preventive Controls

• Did not identify Staphylococcus aureus as a hazard of concern which can be an issue if noodle dough is temperature abused.
• "Did not identify and evaluate the hazard of bacterial growth and/or toxin formation {of Staphylococcus aureus] due to lack of time/temperature control as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether it requires a preventive control for your canton noodles during finished product storage. The canton noodles are treated as shelf stable, stored at ambient temperatures, and are not labeled to be kept refrigerated or frozen. You do not know the water activity of the finished product canton noodles, including whether it is above 0.85."
• "did not identify and evaluate the hazard of mycotoxins as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether they require a preventive control for your noodle products. The noodles contain wheat flour, which has been associated with mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON). Therefore, contamination with mycotoxins is a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to be considered for these products."
• "did not implement your preventive controls procedures to significantly minimize or prevent contamination with the hazard of metal in your nRTE noodle products. Our investigators observed damage and missing pieces to your metal cutting blades used to shorten the dried noodles after the drying room step. The investigators requested monitoring records associated with the metal detector, but you did not provide them during the inspection."
• "written allergen preventive control does not include procedures, practices, and processes employed for labeling to ensure that all food allergens required to be stated are included on the label for your nRTE noodle products"  "procedure does not ensure all finished product labels declare all allergens present in the finished food to ensure finished food is not misbranded under section 403(w) of the Act (21 CFR 117.135(c)(2) because you do not document your review of finished product labels to ensure all allergens are properly declared."
• "do not maintain any monitoring or corrective action records of your review of your product labels to ensure the allergen ingredients are listed on the label for each batch produced. The only record you maintain for production is your mixing log and it does not include are view of the allergen ingredients in the finished food against the packaging label."

GMPs

• Black mold - "Apparent black mold formed on the ceiling directly over a drying canton noodle product in several locations throughout the room. The apparent mold covered approximately 30 percent of the ceiling. Further, the fans used to blow heated air ((b)(4) degrees Fahrenheit) directly onto the product to dry it were covered in approximately ¼ inch of apparent filth. In addition, the concrete floor along the walls in multiple locations throughout the drying room had what appeared to be white and greenish colored mold. The walls had apparent black mold in several different locations throughout the drying room."
• Product on floor - "Employee hanging noodles on racks (b)(4). During our inspection, our investigators observed the two bins separate, causing an approximate 2-to-3-in. gap in between. This resulted in the bottom quarter of the noodles coming into contact with the floor."
• Condensation - "heavily beaded condensation formed over and falling onto boxed wonton wrappers, lot number 05021168, in the blast storage freezer. Our investigators also observed condensation falling onto packaged finished product. Although the product is wrapped in wax paper, the packaging is made of thin cardboard that is not sealed and the product is susceptible to contamination while it is held overnight in the blast freezer. Our investigators observed ice formed in several other locations in the freezer, including the floor, freezer units, and walls."
• Facility issues / potential foreign objects - "brittle plastic in several areas on the tray was broken and/or frayed. (b)(4) trays being used in production were in similar condition.. Foam was present on the underside of the (b)(4) that comes indirect contact with the top layer of the wrappers during cutting. The foam is porous and not easily cleanable. Our investigators observed deteriorating foam on (b)(4) blade presses ((b)(4) egg roll and (b)(4) wonton), and parts of the foam were missing in several areas around the edges."
• Personal hygiene issues - did not take reasonable measures and precautions to ensure all persons working in direct contact with food, food-contact surfaces, and food-packaging materials conform to hygienic practices while on duty to the extent necessary to protect again contamination of food, as required by 21 CFR 117.10(b). Specifically, on May 2, 2023, five out of ten employees were observed in street clothes covered in apparent filth while handling dough used to manufacture wonton wrappers

Wan-Gee Foods, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 660360 — NOVEMBER 09, 2023
Recipient:
Samson Wang
CEO/President
Wan-Gee Foods, Inc.
10849 Midwest Industrial Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63132
United States

Candies Containing Konjac Gum Recalled Due to Potential Choking Hazard

Tiffany Food Corp of Brooklyn, NY is recalling all codes and flavors of Mini Fruit Jelly Cups, because they may pose a choking hazard. Small jelly cups containing konjac powder have previously been implicated in choking deaths of children. Konjac and its consequent texture and consistency could pose a choking hazard to small children as well as adults with functional and/or anatomic abnormalities predisposing them to dysphagia. The potential choking hazard was confirmed after discussion with a representative from the Food and Drug Administration.

Food Additives Council
https://www.foodingredientfacts.org/facts-on-food-ingredients/sources-of-food-ingredients/konjac-gum/

• Konjac gum, or konjac flour, is a hydrocolloid (water soluble) dietary fiber derived from the Amorphophallus konjac plant (also known as devil’s tongue) that is used to provide texture, thicken, stabilize, emulsify, and suspend ingredients in foods and beverages. Konjac gum is primarily used as a source of glucomannan, which is a recognized source of dietary fiber.
• Konjac gum is safe for children in moderation and often used in medicines. However, certain forms of konjac gum have been recalled in certain countries because of the risk of suffocation from consuming large amounts due to its thickening properties. The gum runs a risk of expanding in your throat if you consume too much of it at once. This is why manufacturers adhere to regulations on the amount allowed in foods to ensure product safety.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tiffany-food-corp-recalls-mini-fruit-jelly-cups-because-possible-choking-hazard
Tiffany Food Corp Recalls Mini Fruit Jelly Cups Because of Possible Choking Hazard
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 19, 2023
FDA Publish Date: October 19, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May pose a choking hazard
Company Name:  Tiffany Food Corp.
Brand Name:  Tiffany Food Corp.

Product Description: Mini Fruit Jelly Cups in lychee, mango and assorted flavors

Articles on Shelf-life Dating Fail to Educate

Expiration dates and food waste....the current arguments that food expiration dates lead to food waste is one that is so singular in focus that blame food company practices for being  responsible instead of purchaser of the food who fails to manage properly.  In an article Is It Really Expired? The Truth About Food ‘Expiration’ Dates, we see many of the same complaints about code dating, but a failure to recognize the real issue...failure to manage according to those dates.

Face it, when you spend $3.00 on a bag of chips, your expectation is that the bag of chips within code date is going to meet your expectations...100% of the time.  Not 50% of the time.  A manufacturer does not want to disappoint a customer and have them return the product (which in the end costs the manufacturer for that bag... at retail price, and the potential of a lost customer).  The date that is set is that guarantee of that quality.  But there are those that say....well, that bag of chips is still safe past that date, but may not be as good.  What is that probability?  Maybe 5 days past the code date it is 90%....two weeks 80%.   Quality continues to deteriorate by the day, and while still safe, 80% quality was certainly not worth 100% of the $3.00 you spent on the bag of chips.

Products, and the processes that produce these products, are all different.  The conditions in which products are distributed and then stored also vary greatly, impacting the deterioration of product.  The manufacturer has an interest to set that code date out as far as they can, for distribution purposes, but to a point where they can guarantee that the quality is still acceptable 100% of the time.  There are  numerous factors taken into account when setting a date.  No one can do this but the manufacturer because in the end, their livelihood is dependent upon it.

But instead of us focusing on educating people on using food in a timely fashion, we look to force companies to potentially sell products that have a chance to fail before they are consumed.   Food is a expensive resource that must be used wisely.  Along with that, we should have a system that can capture any remaining value for product that is not exactly at the standard it was when paid for at full price.  

For the consumer, it should come down to managing the resource properly.  Use food before it gets close to date...buy only what you can use in a reasonable time period....only prepare what you plan to consume immediately or within a few days if not adverse to eating leftovers.

Do not make me buy something at full price that does not meet 100% of my expectations.  Do not put in regulations forcing companies to set dates where product failure is a possibility just because somebody may misplace a food item on the shelf only to find it 3 months later.

There is agreement that there needs to be better adherence to code dating standards. A standard was initiated by Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA, now the CBA).  "The new voluntary initiative streamlines the myriad date labels on consumer products packaging down to just two standard phrases. “BEST If Used By” describes product quality, where the product may not taste or perform as expected but is safe to use or consume. “USE By” applies to the few products that are highly perishable and/or have a food safety concern over time; these products should be consumed by the date listed on the package – and disposed of after that date."

Educate people on the correct reason for these dates and for the need to use food wisely.  And then give them a way to handle this product if it has not used wisely to start (with the understanding that it is not as good from a quality perspective as it once was).  In the end, it comes down to the consumer for managing their food and using that resource in a mindful way.

EcoWatch
https://www.ecowatch.com/food-expiration-labels-dates-safety-ecowatch.html

Is It Really Expired? The Truth About Food ‘Expiration’ Dates

Forgot about that container of yogurt in the back of the fridge? A bag of granola lost in the pantry? A glance at the expiration date might tell you that it’s time to toss it, but in fact, “expired” food might still be perfectly safe and enjoyable to eat..

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Small NJ Italian Foods Co

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a pretty small NJ Italian Food company who did not have a Food Safety Plan.  There continues to be issues involving small food companies that have yet to address FSMA regulations.   Many may feel that they are flying under the radar.  This is such a case where this small Italian food company did not have a food safety plan, and along with that, did not have documented controls in place for allergens among other potential hazards.

Here is a pic taken from a Google search of the address.  Looks to be a retail operation that is doing distribution.  If FDA can find this place located in a neighborhood in Trenton.......

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/porfirios-italian-foods-inc-656454-06212023
Porfirios Italian Foods, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 656454 — JUNE 21, 2023
Recipient:
Mr. Robert Calabro
Owner
Porfirios Italian Foods, Inc.
320 Anderson Street
Trenton, NJ 08611
United States

FDA Issues Warning Letter to OH Bakery

FDA issued a Warning Letter to an Ohio Bakery for the following issues:

Lack of Allergen Preventive Control for Sesame

• The "facility’s written hazard analysis for the buns did not consider allergen cross-contact at all steps where your sesame seed buns and non-sesame seed buns are made on shared equipment (e.g., “(b)(4),” “Baking,” “Depanning,” “Cooling,” and “(b)(4)”). Your facility manufactures at least 21 bun products that contain allergens (such as wheat, soy, and sesame); products containing different allergen profiles (i.e., with or without sesame seeds) are processed on shared equipment and using shared utensils on the same production day."
• The facility did "not adequately controlling the hazard of allergen cross-contact during our inspection. FDA investigators observed apparent sesame residue on the “(b)(4) conveyor” after sanitation had been completed for the changeover from a sesame seed bun batch to a non-sesame seed bun batch produced on shared equipment. Our investigators observed sesame seeds immediately after the buns were depanned, which you consider to be part of the bun cooler. When this was pointed out by the investigators, the non-sesame seed bun was already traveling along the conveyor with sesame seed residue still present even though an employee was trying to clean it."

Lack of Sanitation Preventive Control in Post-Process Environment

• "Did not appropriately evaluate a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard to determine whether it required a preventive control in your RTE bun products, as required by 21 CFR 117.130(a)(1). Your facility’s written hazard analysis considered biological contamination from the environment at certain post-baking steps but did not identify it as requiring a preventive control at processing steps such as “Depanning,” “Cooling,” “(b)(4), and Packaging.” Your RTE buns are exposed to the environment prior to packaging where they could be contaminated with environmental pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes." 
• The "investigators observed several instances where you did not record sanitation activities at the post-baking steps in your process and did not take corrective actions when sanitation was not performed. Our review of your “Master Sanitation Schedule” records from June 3, 2022, through January 6, 2023, found that you did not record sanitation activities at the frequency for which they should occur. When asked by our investigators about the missing sanitation records, your Senior Engineer stated if there was no record then sanitation did not happen."

Lack of Corrective Action to Environmental Samples

• During the investigators’ review of your environmental monitoring records, it was noted that you have had at least four instances in the not ready-to-eat areas in your facility where you had either a suspected positive or confirmed positive for Listeria with no further action taken.

Pest Control

• At least one live mouse was observed between pallets of (b)(4) bags of (b)(4) brand Pure Granulated Sugar in the warehousing area. Eight incidents of rodent activity were documented in the shipping area, tray washing room, boiler room, and break room by your pest control operator between the period of May 18, 2022, to January 18, 2023, including rodent activity on January 4 and January 18, 2023, in the warehousing area where FDA investigators observed a live rodent during the inspection.
• Apparent rodent excreta pellets (AREPs) were observed on pallets and flooring in the warehousing areas"

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/schwebel-baking-company-653005-06092023

FDA Warning Letter
Schwebel Baking Company

MARCS-CMS 653005 — JUNE 09, 2023

All Purpose Flour Recalled After Sample Testing Finds Salmonella

General Mills today announced a voluntary national recall of two-, five- and 10-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour with a “better if used by” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024 due to the potential presence of Salmonella.  The recall is being issued for the potential presence of Salmonella Infantis,which was discovered during sampling of the five-pound bag product.

 
  

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/general-mills-recalls-four-gold-medal-unbleached-and-bleached-all-purpose-flour-varieties-dated
General Mills Recalls Four Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour Varieties Dated March 27, 2024 and March 28, 2024
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 28, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  April 28, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Bakery Product/Mix
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  General Mills
Brand Name:  Gold Medal
Product Description:  All Purpose Flour, bleached and unbleached

CDC - Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Flour - Investigation Notice 3-30-23

CDC and State partners are investigating a Salmonella outbreak that has been linked to raw flour. As of March 30, 2023, 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 11 states (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from December 6, 2022, to February 13, 2023 (see timeline).

While an exact source is yet to be identified, it is important to follow proper practices when handling raw flour.

• Do not eat raw dough or batter.
• Clean surfaces and utensils that have residual raw flour with warm water or soap.
• Wash hands after handling raw flour, dough, or batter.
• Handle raw flour in a way that prevents it from cross contaminating surfaces that will not be cleaned immediately.
• Store raw flour properly, preventing it from getting over other surfaces or food.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Flour

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/infantis-03-23/index.html
Fast Facts
Illnesses: 12
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 0
States: 11
Recall: No
Investigation status: Active

CR - 10 Risky Recalled Foods

Consumer Reports lists the 10 Foods Linked to Serious Recalls and Outbreaks and provides an explanation why each ended up there. They also provide some practical handling procedures

1. Leafy Greens
2. Cheeses and Deli Meat
3. Ground Meat 
4. Onions
5. Turkey
6. Chicken
7. Papayas
8. Peaches
9. Cantaloupe
10. Flour

While we can argue about what should be in the Top Ten, the information provided in this report is okay. 

The danger of any list like this is that people will avoid products because it is on 'the list'.   Onions for example...one should not avoid using onions, but follow practical handling procedures.  On the avoidance of pre-cut fruit...certainly if you are extremely risk averse, you would want to avoid pre-but fruit, otherwise, the overall risk is small when purchasing from a reputable producer.

A much better write-up than done in the past by this organization.

10 Risky Recalled Foods You Should Know About - Consumer Reports

WA Bakery Recalls Bread for Improper Allergen Labeling

Joy Joy’s Bakery Lakewood, Washington is recalling Ube Spanish Bread, Ube Ensaymada, and Ube Roll because it may contain undeclared wheat.  The recalled products labels declared flour but it does not specify wheat flour. This labeling problem was identified by Oregon Department of Agriculture through the U. S. Food and Drug Administration.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/joy-joys-bakery-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-ube-spanish-bread-ube-ensaymada-and-ube-roll
Joy Joy’s Bakery Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in Ube Spanish Bread, Ube Ensaymada, and Ube Roll
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 26, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  January 26, 2023
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Bakery Product/Mix
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Wheat
Company Name:  Joy Joy’s Bakery
Brand Name:  Joy Joys Bakery
Product Description:  Ube Spanish Bread, Ube Ensaymada, and Ube Roll

FDA Issued Warning Letter to CA Food Warehouse and Repack Facility for Rats, Cats, Bats and Bugs

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Gold Coast Distributors of Stockton, CA, an ambient and frozen warehouse and re-packing facility.  FDA determined the food products packaged and/or held in your facility are adulterated.  In short, lots of rats, cats, bats, and bugs.  And throw some mislabeled product on top for good measure.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/gold-coast-distributors-inc-dba-shah-distributors-635805-11022022
WARNING LETTER
Gold Coast Distributors Inc. dba Shah Distributors

MARCS-CMS 635805 — NOVEMBER 02, 2022

Recipient:
Mr. Sourabh Roy
CEO
Gold Coast Distributors Inc. dba Shah Distributors
2325 W. Charter Way
Stockton, CA 95206-1135
United States

Issuing Office:
Division of Human and Animal Food Operations West V
United States

WARNING LETTER
WL 635805

Dear Mr. Roy:

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected your ambient and frozen warehouse and re-packing facility, located at 2325 W. Charter Way, Stockton, CA 95206, from May 09-27, 2022. During our inspection of your facility, the FDA investigators observed serious violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food rule (CGMP & PC rule), Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 117 (21 CFR Part 117). At the conclusion of the inspection, the FDA investigators issued a Form FDA 483 (FDA-483), Inspectional Observations, listing the deviations found at your firm. In addition, during the inspection, FDA collected filth samples from various areas within your warehouse facility, and the analytical results revealed rodent, insect, or cat filth present all throughout your facility.

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Florida Rice Operation for Heavy Pest Activity

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Florida Gold Foods of Kissimmee FL, a firm that handles dried rice, after FDA inspectors found numerous GMP issues including rodent, insect, and animal activity.  (Animal activity -  investigators observed four (4) or more live cats in the northern end of the building and apparent cat feces and urine throughout the warehouse, and they observed a cat running from building (b)(4) with a rodent in its mouth.  Cats are not pest control for food facilities)

FDA also analyzed several samples for filth.  "Results from the Florida Gold brand 2-lb bags of rice demonstrate that this product was adulterated with various species of insects at larval, pupae and adult stages including multi-stage dead beetles, sawtoothed grain beetles, and red flour beetles. Further, the samples collected from within your facility resulted in numerous filth findings including the presence of rodent excreta pellets of a size implicating a rat, fecal material with internal cat/dog hairs, rat/mouse hairs, two (2) feathers identified as songbird feathers, multi-stage beetles (adult and larvae), and insects including but not limited to, flies and moths."

Of course, there were plenty of GMP issues for cleanliness.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/florida-gold-foods-llc-637153-11222022
WARNING LETTER

Florida Gold Foods LLC
MARCS-CMS 637153 — NOVEMBER 22, 2022

FDA Issues More Warning Letters to Importers for Lack of FSVP - December 2022

In December of 2022, FDA issued close to a dozen food importers, all lacking a FSVP for the products they import.

Ruth Special Food Store LLC. of Belleville, NJ 07109 have not developed FSVPs for any of the foods imported including: Organic shine skin pumpkin kernels, Shine skin pumpkin kernels, and Dry roasted edamame
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/ruth-special-food-store-llc-644551-12092022

Europe - Challenges with Increasing Level of Mycotoxins in Wheat

An article from University of Bath (UK) discusses the rise in fungal toxins in wheat and other cereal grains in Europe, specifically those toxins associated with Fusarium Head Blight.

Their findings - "Fusarium mycotoxins were discovered in every European country. Half of the wheat intended for human food in Europe contains the Fusarium mycotoxin “DON” (commonly referred to as vomitoxin) while in the UK, 70% of wheat is contaminated. Governments set legal limits on DON contamination levels in wheat that is to be consumed by humans. These regulations provide effective protection, with 95% of wheat destined for the table meeting the safety limits for DON concentration. However, the finding that mycotoxins are ubiquitous is concerning, as the effect of constant, low-level exposure to mycotoxins in our diet over the course of a lifetime is not known."

Penn State Extension has a piece on Fusarium Head Blight - Fusarium Head Blight (psu.edu)

So what may have led to this this increase?  Speaking with our European expert on grain Mold, Dr. Voloshchuk, she said two factors that need investigation are  weather conditions associated with global climate change and along with that, the push to decrease the use of fungicides.

Harmful fungal toxins in wheat: a growing threat across Europe (bath.ac.uk)
Harmful fungal toxins in wheat: a growing threat across Europe
Harmful fungal toxins are on the rise in Europe’s wheat and affect almost half of crops, according to a new study led by the University of Bath.

FDA Warning Letter to CA Bakery for Having No Food Safety Plan and Having GMP Issues

FDA issued a Warning Letter to The Bonami Baking Company, Inc. of  Pittsburg, CA, a manufacturer of ready-to-eat (RTE) bakery products.  Basically, the company did not have a Food Safety Plan, so there was no evaluaiton for allergens or pathogens or mycotoxins.   On top of that, there was numerous GMP issues with a high number of insect-related sightings.  Finally, there were some misbranding issues.

Now, if one looks at the compay website, it looks like a legitimate operation. 

Bonami Bakery – Bay Area Bakery Shop (thebonamibakery.com)

FDA Warning Letter

The Bonami Baking Company, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 633746 — SEPTEMBER 07, 2022

Wheat-free Power Pancakes Recalled for Containing 1% Wheat

Phil’s Power Pancake of Costa Mesa, CA is recalling its 5 oz. packages of individually wrapped Power Pancakes in all 5 varieties (Mango, Raspberry, Cranberry, Dates, and Chocolate Chip Hempseed) because they may contain undeclared wheat.  All 5 varieties of pancakes contain rye flour that contains 1% wheat. Labels on the product distributed state “wheat free” and new labels will read “99% wheat free”.

1) That 1% present does not allow one to say 'free' from that.

2) Power pancakes are a thing.....just have to douse them with plenty of maple syrup I guess to get them to slide on down.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/phils-power-pancake-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-phils-power-pancake
Phil’s Power Pancake Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in Phil’s Power Pancake
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 17, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  November 18, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared wheat
Company Name:  Phil’s Power Pancake
Brand Name:  Phil’s Power Pancake
Product Description:  Pancakes in 5 varieties (mango, raspberry, cranberry, dates, chocolate chip hempseed

Closure of Local Pizza Shop Gains Media Attention

Canyon Pizza has been a State College staple for late night pizza since 2001. Not necessary an award winning pizza, but with its large pies and cheap price, it have endured the ever changing restaurant scene in this college town. After an inspection by the local health authority this week, however, it received a lot of press, although not the good kind.

The inspection noted 13 violations.  None by itself that would store-closing, but in total, it paints the picture of a dirty operation, one that is definite need of a good scrubbing and repair.  How did it get to this point?  Didn't management look closely and think that things are not as they should be?  Why do some have to wait until an inspection in order to do the necessary work?  And now, to have the brand damaged for all to see.

PDA website for results of restaurant inspections
https://www.pafoodsafety.pa.gov/Web/Inspection/PublicInspectionSearch.aspx

4 - 301.14 Explain Code Submit
Inspector Comments
--Hood system is not adequate to remove heat and/or grease, as evidenced by condensate and/or grease collecting on the walls, ceilings, and fixtures. Hood is in need of a professional cleaning as required by the Centre Region Property Maintenance Code.