A Washington state company is recalling soft cheese products after being linked to 3 cases of Listeria monocytogenes infection. One of those cases was a death.
There have been a number of Listeria issues related to soft cheeses, especially in smaller companies who have entered into the cheese market. In this case, the company was started in the year 2000 (translated Website) and appears to have grown over time. With increasing popularity of Farmers' Markets, food entrepreneurs have found a entry channel to sell products, including soft cheeses. However, as with this case, careful attention to risk control must be made.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm430730.htm
Queseria Bendita LLC Recalls Fresh Cheeses and Sour Cream Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact: Consumer: Sandra Aquilar 509-961-8949
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 16, 2015 — Queseria Bendita LLC of Yakima, Washington is recalling all lots of Panela, Queso Fresco, Requeson, Cotija fresh soft cheese products and Sour Cream to include those with best by dates up to 4/16/2015 because of a potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Panela, Queso Fresco, Requeson, Cotija fresh soft cheese products and Sour Cream were distributed to Hispanic grocery stores in Washington and Oregon and the firm also sold products from its on-site store in Yakima, Washington.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Vegetable Smoothie Blends and Listeria - Recall and Controlling Risk
A Smoothie Blend is being recalled after Listeria was detected in the spinach and/or kale ingredients used in the blend. There have been no illnesses and the organism has not been detected in the finished product.
The risk associated with vegetable smoothies is that some of the vegetable ingredients may be sources of Listeria. Listeria can contaminate vegetables, such as kale or spinach, at the field level or during storage. The latter can be more of an issue because vegetable storage areas are cool and often damp, which fits the growth conditions conducive to Listeria. With longer storage times, in some cases from one packing season to the next (in order for the processors to make product throughout the year), there may be increased opportunity for Listeria contamination.
Many of these vegetables have been traditionally cooked, and so, long term storage had not been a big issue. But with smoothies, there is no cooling step to eliminate an organism like Listeria. These vegetables are blended in the raw state and then consumed. Additionally, once blended, storage of vegetable matrix could serve to enhance the numbers because the matrix would likely support growth, albeit slowly if stored at refrigeration temperatures.
Blenders may also use frozen vegetables. These vegetables are oaten produced with the intention that they will be cooked (thus they have cooking instructions), but blenders will use them without cooking.
For companies blending smoothies, supplier control is critical. Other control steps in include having a washing/sanitizing step in place prior to blending as well as a strict refrigeration and a tight shelf-life. For consumers who blend raw vegetables - use sound vegetables, wash produce well, and then consume immediately upon blending.
Of course Listeria is not the only pathogen that can be associated with produce. Produce contain bacteria pathogens, such as Salmonella or STEC E.coli, viruses, and parasites. Generally, however, the risk would be considered very low, especially when farmers follow GAP principles.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm430735.htm
Inventure Foods, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall Of Its Rader Farms® Fresh Start Smoothie Blend, Sunrise Refresh Fusion, And Daily Power Fusion Due To Possible Health Risk
Contact
Consumer: Inventure Foods Customer Service 866-890-1004
Media: Matt Jackson Lambert, Edwards & Associates mjackson@lambert-edwards.com
616-233-0500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 18, 2015 – Inventure Foods, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona, has issued a precautionary recall of its RADER FARMS® Fresh Start Smoothie Blend, Fresh Start Sunrise Refresh Fusion, and Fresh Start Daily Power Fusion because of a potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
The risk associated with vegetable smoothies is that some of the vegetable ingredients may be sources of Listeria. Listeria can contaminate vegetables, such as kale or spinach, at the field level or during storage. The latter can be more of an issue because vegetable storage areas are cool and often damp, which fits the growth conditions conducive to Listeria. With longer storage times, in some cases from one packing season to the next (in order for the processors to make product throughout the year), there may be increased opportunity for Listeria contamination.
Many of these vegetables have been traditionally cooked, and so, long term storage had not been a big issue. But with smoothies, there is no cooling step to eliminate an organism like Listeria. These vegetables are blended in the raw state and then consumed. Additionally, once blended, storage of vegetable matrix could serve to enhance the numbers because the matrix would likely support growth, albeit slowly if stored at refrigeration temperatures.
Blenders may also use frozen vegetables. These vegetables are oaten produced with the intention that they will be cooked (thus they have cooking instructions), but blenders will use them without cooking.
For companies blending smoothies, supplier control is critical. Other control steps in include having a washing/sanitizing step in place prior to blending as well as a strict refrigeration and a tight shelf-life. For consumers who blend raw vegetables - use sound vegetables, wash produce well, and then consume immediately upon blending.
Of course Listeria is not the only pathogen that can be associated with produce. Produce contain bacteria pathogens, such as Salmonella or STEC E.coli, viruses, and parasites. Generally, however, the risk would be considered very low, especially when farmers follow GAP principles.
This product, pictured here, is sold frozen. Freezing would prevent growth of Listeria, but once thawed, Listeria would be able to grow.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm430735.htm
Inventure Foods, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall Of Its Rader Farms® Fresh Start Smoothie Blend, Sunrise Refresh Fusion, And Daily Power Fusion Due To Possible Health Risk
Contact
Consumer: Inventure Foods Customer Service 866-890-1004
Media: Matt Jackson Lambert, Edwards & Associates mjackson@lambert-edwards.com
616-233-0500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 18, 2015 – Inventure Foods, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona, has issued a precautionary recall of its RADER FARMS® Fresh Start Smoothie Blend, Fresh Start Sunrise Refresh Fusion, and Fresh Start Daily Power Fusion because of a potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Listeria Strains in Caramel Apple Outbreak Found in Apple Packing Shed
FDA announced that the two strains of Listeria responsible for the caramel apple outbreak were found in the apple packing facility.
Like the Listeria outbreak in cantaloupes, this brings increased attention to apple control in the fruit packing area.
FDA Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm429689.htm
Bidart Bros. Works with Federal and State Officials to Determine Source of Listeriosis-Associated Outbreak
Contact:
Consumer:
(661) 399-0978
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 9, 2015 — Bakersfield, Calif. — Today, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the results of findings from additional tests performed on samples collected from Bidart Bros. apple processing plant. Test results confirm two strains of Listeria monocytogenes were found at the apple processing facility and are believed to be the same strains associated with the outbreak. Those same strains were also found in Bidart Bros. apples collected from a retailer by the FDA. Today, the CDC confirmed that the majority of the persons made ill reported consuming caramel-coated apples.
“The results are devastating to the Bidart family,” says Leonard Bidart, President Bidart Bros. “As a family-owned grower operating in California since the 1930s, we place safety at the forefront of everything we do. Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the apple-related listeriosis outbreak.
Like the Listeria outbreak in cantaloupes, this brings increased attention to apple control in the fruit packing area.
FDA Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm429689.htm
Bidart Bros. Works with Federal and State Officials to Determine Source of Listeriosis-Associated Outbreak
Contact:
Consumer:
(661) 399-0978
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 9, 2015 — Bakersfield, Calif. — Today, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the results of findings from additional tests performed on samples collected from Bidart Bros. apple processing plant. Test results confirm two strains of Listeria monocytogenes were found at the apple processing facility and are believed to be the same strains associated with the outbreak. Those same strains were also found in Bidart Bros. apples collected from a retailer by the FDA. Today, the CDC confirmed that the majority of the persons made ill reported consuming caramel-coated apples.
“The results are devastating to the Bidart family,” says Leonard Bidart, President Bidart Bros. “As a family-owned grower operating in California since the 1930s, we place safety at the forefront of everything we do. Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the apple-related listeriosis outbreak.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Rule Delayed Requiring Labeling of Mechanically Tenderized Meat
A rule requiring the mandatory labeling of mechanically tenderized meat was delayed due to slow government action.
The rule was proposed because of the higher food safety risk associated when meat is tenderized using blades or needles. The blades or needles can force bacteria deeper into the meat, and so this meat then needs to be cooked a little more in order to destroy those backer and thus ensure safety. That is, you don't want to serve mechanically tenderized meat rare or medium rare....it needs to be cooked to 155F internal versus 145 F as is done for intact meat (straight cuts of steak). Of course, many people do not know this, and cook those mechanically tenderized steaks like they would intact steaks.. Labeling would indicate to people that these steaks need to be cooked to 155F internal temperature.
Food Safety Magazine
http://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/news/mandatory-labeling-for-mechanically-tenderized-meat-delayed-until-at-least-2018/
Mandatory Labeling for Mechanically Tenderized Meat Delayed Until At Least 2018
News | January 5, 2015
By Staff
According to a final rule by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), mechanically tenderized beef products will not require special safety labels for at least another three years. The tenderization process softens the meat with tools and devices that are known to cultivate pathogens that can lead to foodborne illness.
The rule was proposed because of the higher food safety risk associated when meat is tenderized using blades or needles. The blades or needles can force bacteria deeper into the meat, and so this meat then needs to be cooked a little more in order to destroy those backer and thus ensure safety. That is, you don't want to serve mechanically tenderized meat rare or medium rare....it needs to be cooked to 155F internal versus 145 F as is done for intact meat (straight cuts of steak). Of course, many people do not know this, and cook those mechanically tenderized steaks like they would intact steaks.. Labeling would indicate to people that these steaks need to be cooked to 155F internal temperature.
Food Safety Magazine
http://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/news/mandatory-labeling-for-mechanically-tenderized-meat-delayed-until-at-least-2018/
Mandatory Labeling for Mechanically Tenderized Meat Delayed Until At Least 2018
News | January 5, 2015
By Staff
According to a final rule by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), mechanically tenderized beef products will not require special safety labels for at least another three years. The tenderization process softens the meat with tools and devices that are known to cultivate pathogens that can lead to foodborne illness.
Lack of Allergen Control by Spice Supplier's Supplier Results in Recalls
Updated 1/12/14
A PA firm is recalling a wide range of spices because the Cumin ingredient they used may contain peanuts, an issue that originated with their supplier.
There have been two assoicated recalls by food companies because the supplier of the spice had allergen issues. In this case, a cumin spice may have been contaminated with peanut. Because it is peanut, it is a Class I recall.
This is not the first time we have seen spice supplier have allergen issues that resulted in downstream recalls. There was a similar recall in November. Smaller companies are often challenged because of limited resources to properly vet their suppliers regarding allergen control. And even with a thorough audit that reveals a decent program, mistakes cans still occur.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm429688.htm
Con Yeager Spice Company Issues a Voluntary Recall for Ground Cumin and Seasoning Blends (containing Ground Cumin) Due to Potential Undeclared Peanut Allergens
Contact:
Consumer:
1-800-222-2460
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 9, 2015 — New Castle, PA and Zelienople, PA — Con Yeager Spice Company has issued a voluntary recall for multiple sized packages under multiple brand names of ground cumin and multiple seasoning blends (containing ground cumin) due to undeclared Peanut allergens in the ground cumin.
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. To date, there have been no consumer complaints or reports of allergic reactions at this time. Con Yeager Spice Company is asking customers at risk for peanut allergies to discontinue using the product immediately.
Con Yeager Spice Company was notified by the supplier Morris J. Golombeck Inc. that the ground cumin product had tested positive for traces of peanut protein. This spice is used in a variety of Con Yeager Spice Company seasoning blends and sold as a single ingredient product. Product packaging includes clear plastic bag in a box, clear plastic minijar, pint, quart, gallon jug containers and plastic bags. Our product identifiers are the product’s 5 digit item key and 6 digit item lot number beginning with a decimal point located on the labeling.
A PA firm is recalling a wide range of spices because the Cumin ingredient they used may contain peanuts, an issue that originated with their supplier.
There have been two assoicated recalls by food companies because the supplier of the spice had allergen issues. In this case, a cumin spice may have been contaminated with peanut. Because it is peanut, it is a Class I recall.
This is not the first time we have seen spice supplier have allergen issues that resulted in downstream recalls. There was a similar recall in November. Smaller companies are often challenged because of limited resources to properly vet their suppliers regarding allergen control. And even with a thorough audit that reveals a decent program, mistakes cans still occur.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm429688.htm
Con Yeager Spice Company Issues a Voluntary Recall for Ground Cumin and Seasoning Blends (containing Ground Cumin) Due to Potential Undeclared Peanut Allergens
Contact:
Consumer:
1-800-222-2460
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 9, 2015 — New Castle, PA and Zelienople, PA — Con Yeager Spice Company has issued a voluntary recall for multiple sized packages under multiple brand names of ground cumin and multiple seasoning blends (containing ground cumin) due to undeclared Peanut allergens in the ground cumin.
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. To date, there have been no consumer complaints or reports of allergic reactions at this time. Con Yeager Spice Company is asking customers at risk for peanut allergies to discontinue using the product immediately.
Con Yeager Spice Company was notified by the supplier Morris J. Golombeck Inc. that the ground cumin product had tested positive for traces of peanut protein. This spice is used in a variety of Con Yeager Spice Company seasoning blends and sold as a single ingredient product. Product packaging includes clear plastic bag in a box, clear plastic minijar, pint, quart, gallon jug containers and plastic bags. Our product identifiers are the product’s 5 digit item key and 6 digit item lot number beginning with a decimal point located on the labeling.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Mining Tweets for Targeting Restaurant Inspections
A number of cities have begun analyzing Twitter or other web-based public review/grading systems such as Yelp as a way to target restaurant inspections. Basically, they have computer systems which search through tweets and/or reviews looking for specific indicators, collect the data and spit out restaurant names that meet the criteria warranting inspection.
In the Chicago initiative, using data from March 23, 2013 and November 10, 2014, they flagged 3,594 tweets as potential food poisoning cases. Of these tweets, they determined 419, roughly 12 percent, as likely cases. While not clearly stated if it is in the same time frame, they conducted 133 inspections and found that 40% of them had serious violations, or 53 establishments.
I guess I am supposed to think this is cool, but it just seems so backwards. Using resources to scour through people's comments that they post in a few seconds, it just seems a bit, passive. And knowing that foodborne illness can occur in any length of time, from minutes to days after eating a food, what is the chance that someone is going to know which food made them sick. Also considering that the occasional belly ache is often attributed to some food they ate, and that rarely does one attribute the illness to food they made at home, will inspectors be chasing after establishments that don't deserve to be scrutinized. Clearly, 60% of those inspected did not have significant issues.
Using those same resources, and having a designated line for complaints, would they have not found those 53 establishments, or even better, using those resources to fix issues in establishments before those issues led to someone becoming ill.
The financial costs of establishing and maintaining these systems were not provided in the HPR piece attached here, so it is hard to say if they are getting bang for the buck. If the cost is minimal, then it is no big deal, especially if they are using this to augment their current inspection system. But I am inclined to think that more of a direct approach to ensuring safety...regular on site inspections and requirements for establishments to have trained manager/employees.
Harvard Political Review
http://harvardpolitics.com/united-states/food-safety-numbers/
Food Safety in Numbers
By Advik Shreekumar
On March 23, 2013, the civic organization Smart Chicago launched an ambitious program to enhance the city’s food safety efforts: Foodborne Chicago. Using a mix of statistical techniques and computer science, Foodborne searches Twitter for complaints of food poisoning, then follows up with users and generates formal investigations. Chicago is not alone in these efforts; San Francisco, Boston, and New York City are all in the process of implementing similar initiatives to better enforce their health codes.
Foodborne Chicago and its sibling programs are bold attempts to modernize governance, harnessing the massive streams of information on social media sites. However, while these initiatives have the potential to dramatically improve public health, they also grant additional power to the companies holding the data. This, in turn, will challenge traditional notions of privacy and property.
In the Chicago initiative, using data from March 23, 2013 and November 10, 2014, they flagged 3,594 tweets as potential food poisoning cases. Of these tweets, they determined 419, roughly 12 percent, as likely cases. While not clearly stated if it is in the same time frame, they conducted 133 inspections and found that 40% of them had serious violations, or 53 establishments.
I guess I am supposed to think this is cool, but it just seems so backwards. Using resources to scour through people's comments that they post in a few seconds, it just seems a bit, passive. And knowing that foodborne illness can occur in any length of time, from minutes to days after eating a food, what is the chance that someone is going to know which food made them sick. Also considering that the occasional belly ache is often attributed to some food they ate, and that rarely does one attribute the illness to food they made at home, will inspectors be chasing after establishments that don't deserve to be scrutinized. Clearly, 60% of those inspected did not have significant issues.
Using those same resources, and having a designated line for complaints, would they have not found those 53 establishments, or even better, using those resources to fix issues in establishments before those issues led to someone becoming ill.
The financial costs of establishing and maintaining these systems were not provided in the HPR piece attached here, so it is hard to say if they are getting bang for the buck. If the cost is minimal, then it is no big deal, especially if they are using this to augment their current inspection system. But I am inclined to think that more of a direct approach to ensuring safety...regular on site inspections and requirements for establishments to have trained manager/employees.
Harvard Political Review
http://harvardpolitics.com/united-states/food-safety-numbers/
Food Safety in Numbers
By Advik Shreekumar
On March 23, 2013, the civic organization Smart Chicago launched an ambitious program to enhance the city’s food safety efforts: Foodborne Chicago. Using a mix of statistical techniques and computer science, Foodborne searches Twitter for complaints of food poisoning, then follows up with users and generates formal investigations. Chicago is not alone in these efforts; San Francisco, Boston, and New York City are all in the process of implementing similar initiatives to better enforce their health codes.
Foodborne Chicago and its sibling programs are bold attempts to modernize governance, harnessing the massive streams of information on social media sites. However, while these initiatives have the potential to dramatically improve public health, they also grant additional power to the companies holding the data. This, in turn, will challenge traditional notions of privacy and property.
Walnut Pieces Recalled After Retail Sample Tests Positive or Salmonella
A Wisconsin company is recalling walnut pieces after a sample of the product was found to be positive for Salmonella, discovered during FDA routine retail testing.
FDA recall notice
The Morning Call
http://www.mcall.com/business/mc-candy-sold-in-pa-recalled-for-possible-salmonella-contamination-20150106-story.html
Candy sold in Pa. recalled for possible salmonella contamination
By Morning Call staff
Walnut candies sold in 27 states including Pennsylvania were recalled Monday for possible salmonella contamination. Eillien's Candies Inc. said in a press release issued through the Food and Drug Administration that it is voluntarily recalling Walnut Pieces candy because some of the products may be contaminated with salmonella.
FDA recall notice
The Morning Call
http://www.mcall.com/business/mc-candy-sold-in-pa-recalled-for-possible-salmonella-contamination-20150106-story.html
Candy sold in Pa. recalled for possible salmonella contamination
By Morning Call staff
Walnut candies sold in 27 states including Pennsylvania were recalled Monday for possible salmonella contamination. Eillien's Candies Inc. said in a press release issued through the Food and Drug Administration that it is voluntarily recalling Walnut Pieces candy because some of the products may be contaminated with salmonella.
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